Multiple reports ramp up record Darwin Nunez deal for Liverpool, amid Klopp plan for ‘perfect fit’ star

Liverpool are reportedly willing to set a new club transfer record to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who is also a Manchester United target.

Liverpool have quickly become one of the prominent Premier League clubs in this summer’s transfer window. Sadio Mane wants a new challenge, with Bayern Munich preparing a second bid for the Senegal star.

The Reds are subsequently looking at who could replace him. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp does not want his team’s progress to stall after coming so close to a quadruple last season.

The likes of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma and Bayern’s Serge Gnabry are on Liverpool‘s shortlist.

However, Nunez is a third target and reports have now revealed how high up the Uruguay international is on their radar.

The Times and The Athletic report that Liverpool will have to pay a club-record £85million to sign Nunez.

Benfica signed him for €24million (£20million) in 2020 from Almeria. The Spanish club will receive 20 per cent of any subsequent Benfica profit, so the Portuguese giants want to sell him for as much as possible.

However, Daily Mail journalist Dominic King claims that Liverpool are not being put off by Benfica’s demands. In fact, King says the Reds are willing to “smash their transfer record to get him”.

Record in Portugal offers a similar take on Liverpool’s transfer stance.

Darwin Nunez fancies Liverpool move

King adds in his report – with The Times backing him up – that Nunez would be “keen” on a move to Merseyside to work with Klopp.

Klopp saw the Uruguayan’s talent first hand last season as he scored in both legs of Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

In January, Klopp acted upon his interest in Luis Diaz, who impressed against the Reds for Porto before the turn of the year. And he could well do so again for Nunez, although for a much bigger fee.

The Athletic claims that Klopp thinks Nunez is the ‘perfect fit’ for the Reds. The German admires his ability to perform through the middle and on the wing.

However, Man Utd are also looking for a long-term striker solution, with Liverpool wary of their rivals’ interest in Nunez.

The transfer battle to watch

Whoever ends up signing Nunez  – if he leaves Benfica at all – will arguably get the deal of the summer.

He commands a big fee, a club-record one in Liverpool’s case. But after 34 goals in 41 games last term – including six in the Champions League – he is worth the investment.

What’s more, the 22-year-old is already transitioning into Uruguay’s next main striker.

Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are in the twilight of their careers, with Nunez’s 10 caps the first of many more to come.

There may be doubt as to how the Portuguese league matches up to the Premier League. Although, Nunez has proved with his goals in the Champions League that he is ready for a bigger stage.