Liverpool are set to face fierce competition from Manchester United for the signing of Darwin Nunez, according to ESPN.
New United boss Eric Ten Hag is eager to bolster his attacking options with a young forward and he has identified 22-year-old Nunez as a target.
Liverpool have held an interest in the Benfica man for months now and have made initial contacts with his representatives, but their North West rivals are ready to go head-to-head in the pursuit of the Uruguayan.
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According to reports, Nunez wants to play Champions League football next season, which would put Liverpool as the frontrunners, but United believe the striker could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford.
The stumbling block in the deal for both clubs could be Benfica’s high valuation of the player.
The Portuguese giants were initially demanding in excess of £110 million for Nunez, but it’s understood that any bid in the region of £80 million could be accepted. The Uruguay international is under contract until 2025, but his eagerness to leave could propel a move to the Premier League.
While several clubs in Spain are also believed to be interested in Nunez, the financial power of the two English sides makes them the favourites. As keen as Liverpool are to land the prolific goalscorer, they may be reluctant to enter a bidding war with United.
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Nunez burst onto the scene in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica, including 26 in 28 Primeira Liga. He’s also earnt his way into the Uruguay national team set up, managing 11 caps and scoring twice for La Celeste.
He arrived at Benfica in September 2020 from Spanish second division side Almeria, for what was a club record fee of €24 million.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Darwin Núñez, Manchester United, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Liverpool, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours