Perfect Sterling Replacement? Liverpool On The VERGE Of Signing Serie A

The Reds are keen to go one-better in the transfer market again as they are willing to match the asking price of Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao. This is in a bid to strengthen the attacking line weaken by the departure Raheem Sterling.

Balde has pace and has been dubbed the perfect like-for-like replacement for Sterling. The former Barcelona youngster is one of the fastest players in Seria A and will no doubt thrive in the EPL with that asset.

The 5ft 11 forward started his career at Barcelona’s La Masia academy before he moved on to Lazio in 2011 but he has so far failed to impress at senior level. However, in 2010, he attracted interests from Real Madrid and Manchester United after scoring 47goals while on loan from Barcelona to the satellite club UE Cornella.

It is understood that the player has handed a transfer request to Lazio and the club are willing to let him off their books if his valuation price of £12.8m is met. The 20-year-old player wants to be in the first team of Lazio but he is being frustrated due to lack of playing time.

Diao was born in Spain and started his career with Barcelona but he has featured for Italy at the under-20 level.

According to Inside Futbol, Diao may be on his way to the Anfield side.