Liverpool could target deadly striker who is 'better than Haaland' if Nunez leaves for Real Madrid

Liverpool could target Dusan Vlahovic if Darwin Nunez leaves for Real Madrid, according to a report.

Nunez only arrived at Anfield from Benfica in the summer, in a deal that could rise to £85million and make the Uruguayan the Reds’ record signing.

The erratic forward has a difficult start to life on Merseyside but has still registered a respectable nine goals and two assists in his 18 appearances in all competitions.

While Nunez is contracted at Anfield until 2028, La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly keen on bringing in the forward as a successor to Karim Benzema.

Los Blancos’ star striker, Benzema, has been in the form of his life for the past 18 months and was awarded the Ballon d’Or earlier this year.

However Real are plotting for the future, with the France international turning 35 later this month.

If Nunez were to sign for Madrid Liverpool reportedly have a plan to replace him with Juventus striker Vlahovic.

Vlahovic to Liverpool?

Italian publication Calciomercato has claimed that Liverpool have a long-term admiration for Vlahovic and would be interested in signing the striker should Nunez leave.

The 22-year-old snubbed interest from Arsenal in January to sign for the Old Lady and ended his first half-season in Turin with nine goals in 21 appearances.

The Serbian international has since added another seven goals to his Juventus tally, but there have been suggestions that he is unhappy at the Allianz Stadium.

The Calciomercato report claims that Juventus would be willing to entertain offers of €80million (£68.6million) for the player and that Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring developments surrounding Vlahovic.

Vlahovic better than Haaland?

Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic claimed that Vlahovic was better than Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland, insisting that the Juve striker is "more complete" than his Manchester City counterpart.

When asked to compare the two marksmen, Bjekovic told Tuttosport: "Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland. The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height.

"But the Juventus forward’s variety and styles of play is better. Manchester City and Juventus paid more or less the same fee, including commissions, to sign the two this year from Borussia Dortmund and Fiorentina."

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, Dusan Vlahovic, Erling Haaland, Juventus

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.