Jurgen Klopp’s side were not expected to do in business in January until Tottenham entered the running for long-term target Diaz.
Once a bid was lodged by the north London club, Liverpool decided to bring forward their summer swoop for the wide man and pursue a January deal.
But it now it appears a deal with Tottenham was actually close after all, meaning this was a trademark transfer hijack.
However, it’s claimed Diaz’s agent was instead vying for his client to join Liverpool and therefore, the move to Tottenham was vetoed.
The representative is understood to have been cautious of the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes in the deal with Spurs.
Liverpool on the other hand were not using Mendes as an intermediary which allegedly handed them an advantage.
He played the full 90 minutes as Colombia were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in their latest World Cup qualifier.
Liverpool boss Klopp revealed his delight upon signing Diaz, making it clear it was not an easy deal to get over the line.