Liverpool have yet to agree a fee with Benfica over Darwin Nunez - despite suggestions the player has already told his family and friends he is moving to Anfield.
The Reds have made Nunez the chief target on their transfer shortlist as they look to continue overhauling a forward line that is likely to see Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino follow Divock Origi in departing this summer.
Reports in Portugal on Friday claimed Nunez has informed those close to him that he intends to move to Anfield, despite interest from other clubs including Manchester United. There have also previously been claims of a five-year deal having been negotiated with the player and his representatives.
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However, there has still been no agreement between Liverpool and Benfica over a fee. The Reds will not make a move at any cost and have noted Benfica's asking price of a flat €100million (£85.5m), although the Portuguese side are believed open to a structured deal which would see an initial €80m (£68.4m) set fee with €20m (£17.1m) in add-ons.
Nunez will finish his season on Saturday evening as part of the Uruguay squad that takes on Panama in a friendly in Montevideo, after which it is believed he wants his next club resolved as soon as possible.
Liverpool's move for Nunez is linked to the future of Sadio Mane. The Reds want to buy the 22-year-old as a replacement for Mane and are reluctant to proceed until they receive guarantees over the transfer of the Senegalese forward.
Bayern Munich have already had two offers for the 30-year-old turned down, the latter of which was a £30m package regarded a "joke" by Anfield officials given the fantastical nature of the proposed add-ons.
The Bundesliga side are yet to return with a third, improved bid although that is expected to arrive early next week. Bayern are intent on negotiating a compromise despite Liverpool standing firm on their £42.75m asking price.
Minamino, meanwhile, is assessing his options with Leeds United, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Monaco all having expressed an interest in a player Liverpool value at £17m. Origi, who will officially leave on a free transfer at the end of the month, is expected to join AC Milan.
