Liverpool have jumped ahead of the queue to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. Meanwhile, Manchester United are denying that Erik ten Hag had a meeting with Jorge Mendes in attempt to hijack a deal.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims Liverpool have made a bid worth £68m (€80m) for the 22-year-old goalscorer.
Romano tweeted the following this afternoon: “Benfica have received Liverpool bid for Darwin Nunez, formal proposal after verbal talks — €80m plus bonuses.
“Discussions ongoing on €15/20m add-ons, LFC want instalments. Potential five year deal.
“Man United in contact with agent & denying any meeting with ten Hag.”
Benfica have received Liverpool bid for Darwin Núñez, formal proposal after verbal talks – €80m plus bonuses. 🇺🇾 #LFC
Discussions ongoing on €15/20m add-ons, LFC want installments. Potential five year deal.
Man United in contact with agent & denying any meeting with ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/Y0zqFzIwiM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2022
Manchester United had shown interest in Nunez this summer but it doesn’t look like the Uruguayan is a priority target for the Red Devils. That would be Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Rumours that new manager Erik ten Hag was set to meet with Jorge Mendes over a deal for Nunez were rubbished by Romano, but it’s interesting to hear that United are still in contact with his agent.
While it makes sense for United to prioritise their midfield, De Jong is not the defensive midfielder we’ve been crying out for but that doesn’t mean he’d be a bad signing. United need to be smart by backing their signings with recruits that fit Erik ten Hag’s style.
That doesn’t always mean the most expensive players and United should be in the market for a striker too.
Nunez has three years left on his current deal at Benfica, although he is expected to leave Portugal ahead of the new season. They will be losing a prolific goalscorer, who likes to play from the left, with 63 goal contributions registered since joining the Primeira Liga side in 2020.
With Liverpool set to lose Sadio Mane, as per The Guardian, it makes sense that Klopp would seek a replacement for the left flank and Liverpool have already got Luis Diaz. It’s clear that the German doesn’t want to lose the depth he has in attack as the Scousers desperately want another league title.
They finished one point behind champions Manchester City last term.
