According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are set to rival Manchester United in the signing of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.
Nunez has been the talk of the town in the previous year as he’s scored as many as 26 goals in just 28 Liga appearances for Benfica.
Benfica are willing to let him leave if a club is ready to meet their demands of £85million and Manchester United have been one of the frontrunners in this deal. Erik ten Hag has identified Darwin Nunez as his priority centre-forward target but now Liverpool are looking to step up their interest in the 22-year-old.
Jurgen Klopp is bracing for the departure of Sadio Mane and the German manager is reportedly keen to sign Darwin Nunez as the long-term replacement.
🚨 Darwin Núñez has been name checked by Erik ten Hag as a top target for Manchester United.
The striker is understood to have favoured a move to Liverpool up to now, but his camp are prepared to listen to United.
(Source: @Independent) pic.twitter.com/6U1yiZDqmn
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2022
Which club will Darwin Nunez choose as his next destination?
Paul Joyce from The Times and Miguel Delaney from the Independent have also confirmed Liverpool’s renewed interest in Darwin Nunez and if the Anfield outfit are willing to meet Benfica’s transfer demands then Man United stand no chance.
Nunez is not too keen to join Manchester United because they won’t be playing in the Champions League next season so if Liverpool come calling then the South American won’t think twice before snubbing Erik ten Hag.
Man United had recently tried to offer a cash plus player deal for Darwin Nunez but that hasn’t impressed Benfica meaning if Liverpool are ready to shell out around £80-85 million then this transfer business will be a walk in the park for them.
However, Liverpool are very smart spenders and because they won’t get too much value from the Sadio Mane deal, it remains to be seen if they are willing to pay such a steep price for Darwin Nunez. Nunez’s name might be mentioned in bold but the report has made it clear that Liverpool are also assessing their other options(conceivably forwards who have a lower price tag).
If Liverpool do not agree to pay £85 million for the Uruguayan then Manchester United stand a chance, otherwise, it’s very difficult for them to bring Darwin Nunez on board.
