Darwin Nunez is set to miss Uruguay's friendly with Panama this evening - with some reports suggesting he is flying over for medical examinations ahead of a potential move to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's side emerged as being in the race for the striker at the start of the week, with the Reds now hoping to fend off competition from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to strike a deal.
The ECHO understands the Reds are yet to agree a fee with Benfica over Nunez - despite suggestions the player has already told his family and friends he is moving to Anfield. But the club's interest is clear with the striker becoming a top target.
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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.
But a new report from Nunez's home country has suggested the forward is set to play no part in tonight's friendly with Panama, which gets under way at 9pm BST, to ensure no unnecessary risks are taken ahead of a potential transfer move.
The article adds the Benfica forward will have to travel to Europe 'in the next few hours' to put pen to paper over a contract, undertake a medical and resolve other formalities associated with transfer deals.
Nunez was involved in Uruguay's previously international outing with Mexico last Friday, featuring for 19 minutes in a 3-0 win over Mexico.
Liverpool have already sealed their first summer signing in the form of Fabio Carvalho, whose arrival was announced last month following an initial pursuit of the teen star during the January transfer window.
Talks are also progressing with Aberdeen as the Reds look to sign 18-year-old right-back Calvin Ramsay. Jurgen Klopp's side are expected to pay a fee in the region of £4million, with dialogue currently taking place over possible add-ons.
