Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Luis Díaz missed the friendly with AC Milan due to ongoing speculation linking him with a transfer.

Virgil van Dijk sent a message to Liverpool fans after their match against AC Milan was overshadowed by a key absentee.

Colombian winger Luis Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday and Arne Slot has confirmed it was due to uncertainty over his future at Liverpool.

With Díaz’s exit inching closer, Liverpool’s interest in forward options has intensified. One name regularly mentioned is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker fits the profile preferred by Slot — technically sound, tactically flexible, and Premier League proven.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has alarmingly confirmed that Luis Díaz was left out of Saturday’s friendly defeat against AC Milan as a result of the uncertainty that surrounds his future.

Manager Arne Slot says Luis Diaz was left out of Liverpool's friendly defeat against AC Milan because of speculation surrounding a move for the forward.

Diaz led off the sixth inning with his 18th home run of the season and fourth in eight games since returning from the All-Star break. He's hit .300 in that span while tallying eight RBI and eight runs scored.

With the Tampa Bay Rays slowly drifting out of the playoff race, the team reportedly could move on from two key players ahead of the trade deadline.