Liverpool are reportedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.
On the back of scoring 34 goals for the Portuguese giants in all competitions this season, Nunez is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe.
Manchester United are known to be admirers of the 22-year-old, who is allegedly open to moving to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football on offer.
However, according to Sky Sports News, United could soon find competition in the form of their North West rivals over the coming days and weeks.
The report suggests that the Merseyside giants value the Uruguay international at a certain price and are not prepared to enter a bidding war.
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Benfica have allegedly placed a £85m price-tag on Nunez, by far their most prized asset, but any admirers will almost certainly look to drive that valuation down in negotiations.
From Liverpool's perspective, they may view Nunez as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, who is known to be considering an exit from Anfield this summer.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Bayern Munich had failed with their second bid for the Senegal international, the proposal being described as 'laughable'.
With Mane having less than a year on his contract, Liverpool find themselves in a position where they must weigh up the pros and cons of retaining one of their key men for another season, aware that they risk him becoming a free agent.
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Although Liverpool can offer an immediate title challenge and football at European football's top table, United can arguably provide Nunez with guaranteeing appearances from the starting lineup.
Aside from Cristiano Ronaldo, each of United's attack-minded players under-performed during 2021-22, leading to sustained calls for an overhaul in that area of the pitch.
While Marcus Rashford appears likely to stay at Old Trafford despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Nunez would likely move ahead of the long-serving homegrown player should he sign for United.
Nunez is capable of playing on the left flank or down the centre of the attack, the emerging talent possessing freshness and different qualities to that of Ronaldo and his teammates.
Darren Plant
