Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could apparently be offered an escape route from Anfield by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.
The Uruguay international is currently in Arne Slot's bad books and has played just three minutes across the Reds' last two Premier League matches, coming off the bench for the dying embers of Wednesday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Nunez was previously an unused substitute against Manchester City at the weekend after Slot criticised his attitude, slamming the striker for not 'working his arse off' in their draw with Aston Villa last week.
The former Benfica man has struggled to make a lasting impression when given a chance either, only producing six goals and five assists from 36 matches this season, an average of one goal every six games.
Nunez has been warned by a Liverpool legend that he must be netting one goal every two games on average to justify wearing the jersey, and a summer exit is now seen as inevitable for the 25-year-old.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone 'greatly admires' Nunez
© Imago
Despite largely failing to make the grade at Anfield, CaughtOffside claims that the South American still has a 'great admirer' in Diego Simeone, who wants to work with him at Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga title-chasers added to their offensive ranks last summer with the capture of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, and the Argentine has excelled this term with 20 goals from 39 games in all tournaments.
However, the experienced Antoine Griezmann is out of contract next year, and given the uncertainty surrounding the 33-year-old's future, Atletico are said to have identified a new striker as a priority signing for the summer.
While Nunez is a 'realistic option' for the capital giants, whom Liverpool could meet in the semi-finals of the Champions League, he is one of three centre-forwards currently being considered by Atetico.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Fabio Silva - currently plying his trade on loan at Las Palmas - are also reported to be on the Rojiblancos' radar ahead of the next transfer window.
Has Nunez run out of chances at Liverpool?
© Imago
For a brief moment, Nunez looked to have revived his Anfield career with that dramatic late double off the bench against Brentford in January, but that was not a sign of things to come for the South American.
Nunez has since returned to his profligate ways, and having already struggled for starts under Slot, he certainly did himself no favours against Villa, where in the Dutchman's eyes he failed to put in the effort he desires from his players.
Liverpool decided against offloading Nunez to the Saudi Pro League in January given their lack of time to find a replacement, but the Reds will have an ample opportunity to sign his successor in the summer window.
Nunez can bring an air of chaos and unpredictability to the Liverpool attack, but for a striker who could end up costing £85m - a club-record fee - that means little if the ball is not being put in the back of the net often enough.
As a result, the former Benfica man will surely have had his last chance on Merseyside by the end of the season, and while he has not justified his hefty price tag, he should not be regarded as a total flop.
Ben Knapton
