Liverpool are being linked with renewed interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as doubt over Luis Diaz’s future continueRodrygo of Real Madrid

Liverpool have been told Real Madrid winger Rodrygo would be a huge hit with supporters should they have to recruit a replacement for Luis Diaz. Doubts persist over the long-term future of Diaz despite the Colombia winger currently being with the first-team squad on their Far East pre-season tour.

The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract and with negotiations having thus far failed to reach a resolution over a new deal, the player earlier this summer revealed his representatives had held talks with interested potential suitors.

Barcelona had an approach for Diaz dismissed by Liverpool while Bayern Munich last week saw an opening proposal worth €67.5million (£58.6m) immediately rejected.

The Bundesliga side are expected to return with an improved offer, although the Reds remain adamant the player is not for sale unless they receive an offer impossible to turn down.

Liverpool, though, would need a replacement should Diaz leave, with Rodrygo – who turned down a move to Anfield in favour of Real Madrid when a 17-year-old in 2018 – being linked heavily in Spain at present.

And former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant said: “Liverpool are in the business of signing world-class players, and should Luis Diaz depart, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo looks a fantastic option to replace him.

“He’s not some young, unstudied talent, he’s an experienced and established player as it is and watching him over the years has been exciting.

“He’s quick, powerful, direct and very tricky to defend against and you could even say he fits a similar profile to Diaz.

“It’d be a like-for-like replacement and a transfer that I could see the fans really getting behind should Diaz leave.”

Liverpool are in the process of overhauling their forward options having agreed a potential £79m deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for France under-21 international striker Hugo Ekitike.

And Pennant, speaking to Adventure Gamers, sees similarities between Ekitike and another in-demand forward, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

“I think Hugo Ekitike is certainly good enough to be Liverpool’s starting number nine this season in the Premier League,” he said. “He’s got good feet and has a similar stature and style to that of Alexander Isak.

“It remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to put the same kind of numbers up, though.

“He’s a good player and with regards to the price tag, it’ll only be the maximum number if he hits the heights the club has set for him. If he does, then it’s definitely money well spent. Liverpool will save on a small amount in add-ons if some of those targets aren’t reached.

“I think it’s a top signing in this window, you can’t get a top striker in the current market for under £60-70 million, I’m excited to see how he does.”