Liverpool are reportedly continuing to keep a close eye on Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao. Liverpool have been interested in the player for a long time now and we even sent scouts to monitor his performances in Serie A since 2014. Earlier in February, we reported that Keita balde Diao had no intention of signing a contract extension with Lazio.
After his arrival from The AFCON tournament, news emerged that the player had refused a call-up to the Lazio squad for Coppa Italia fixture with Inter. It was told that manager Simone Inzaghi was infuriated by his behaviour. However, his absence was officially attributed to flight problems as the Senegalese International had been competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Now it looks like we are still after the player as ESPN have reported that the Reds are still keeping an eye on Keita Balde Diao. However, the report also claims that we have not yet made an official approach for the player. Juventus and AC Milan are reported to retain an interest in the Senegal international, while other Premier League teams are monitoring the player.
Keita’s contract at Lazio expires in the summer of 2018 and it looks like he will not extend his stay with the Italian side beyond that. With only one year left on his contract, it would be smart from Liverpool to move for the player as there is no back-up for star man, Sadio Mane.
Keita Balde Diao is also Senegalese and has a close relationship with Sadio Mane, which can be used as a bait to convince the player to move to England. Keita scored 16 goals and 6 assists in 34 games and is someone who is capable of playing anywhere in the front line.
However, he performed at his best when he was played as a secondary striker, where he scored 8 goals and assisted 3 in just 7 games. He featured predominantly on the left wing and also played a few games on the right.
Should we go for Keita Balde Diao this summer?
