West Ham United manager David Moyes has said that his side came closing to signing Luis Diaz from Porto in January, before the Colombian signed for Liverpool instead.
The Hammers identified several forward reinforcements in the winter transfer window in their search for support for striker Michail Antonio.
Benfica's Darwin Nunez was a reported target, but Moyes has discussed how 25-year-old Diaz was another option to bring to the London Stadium.
"I spoke to Luis Diaz on the phone, we were quite far down the line to sign him from Porto," Moyes said.
"My understanding was that Liverpool planned to come in in the summer, so we thought we'd try and get him in January. I don't know if that affected Liverpool's decision, but he's a really good player and we didn't get him."
Diaz eventually made the move to Anfield for around £40m, with the Reds also reportedly beating Tottenham Hotspur to his signature as well.
Having made his debut against Cardiff City in the FA Cup, the Colombian has gone on to make a total of five appearances so far, netting just once against Norwich City in the 3-1 victory at Anfield.
Matthew Tranter
