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Liverpool to rival Manchester United for Darwin Nunez

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Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is in high demand this summer after having a breakthrough season for the Portuguese club. However, Manchester United are reportedly the frontrunner for the striker’s signature. But United’s fierce rivals Liverpool have now also joined the race for Nunez. Both the Premier League heavyweights are ready to battle it out for the youngster this summer, according to multiple reports. Further on, Nunez is also being tracked by other elite clubs as Benfica have anticipated his exit.

United are preparing to rebuild their squad under new boss Erik ten Hag. The former Ajax manager will get full backing in the transfer market to take the club back to the top. Ten Hag, therefore, has made Darwin Nunez the top priority of the summer. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are accelerating their efforts to sign Nunez since manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the striker. Moreover, as Sadio Mane wants an exit, Liverpool will be short on attacking options as well. As a result, Klopp wants attacking reinforcements this summer and is pushing for Nunez’s signing.

Liverpool are ready to meet Benfica’s asking price for Nunez

Liverpool are not a club who are used to splashing the cash on signings. However, according to the report by Football Insider, Liverpool are contemplating to break their tradition for Nunez this summer. The Uruguayan still has three years left on his Benfica contract but the club are aware that he would ask to leave this summer with top clubs interested. The club have therefore price-tagged their striker with £55 million.

Manchester United were looking to strike a player plus cash deal for Nunez per various reports. Andreas Pereira was the name discussed by the Red Devils to include in the deal for the Benfica striker. But Benfica are reluctant on getting their hands on £55 million, which the Merseyside club are ready to pay upfront. Liverpool feels Nunez fits the profile of a ‘Klopp player’ and also wants to move to Anfield. Further on, Nunez needs no introduction to the Liverpool hierarchy since the striker scored against them in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

Nunez rose to prominence after scoring a staggering 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica last season. The 22-year-old joined Benfica in 2020 for a mere £21 million from Spanish Segunda side UD Almeria. As evident, Benfica are in for huge profits if the striker’s potential £55 million transfer goes through this summer.

Liverpool feels Nunez could take center stage at the club given some of the big-names set to leave. While Mane is looking for an exit, Roberto Firmino also faces an uncertain future at the club. Nunez could very well land a starting role in his first season alongside Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. And with Liverpool’s major rivals Manchester City beefing up their attacking ranks with Erling Haaland, Liverpool are willing to spend big on Darwin Nunez. On the other hand, United have not yet given up on the 22-year-old as well.

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