Liverpool are interested in Benfica forward Darwin Nunez as a Raphinha alternative amid Leeds United’s firm stance on the winger. The Reds are in the market for a marquee forward following increasing resignation that Sadio Mane will go to Bayern Munich, and they have shown interest in Raphinha for some time.
But the Whites have reportedly made firm their demands of £60-70million paid upfront, forcing the Reds to look for alternative options. 22-year-old Nunez had an outstanding season for Benfica last season, scoring 26 goals in 28 Portuguese Primera Liga appearances and also hit six goals in 10 Champions League games.
And now the Times’ Paul Joyce has suggested that Nunez could be the man to come through the Anfield doors, with the Reds considering the striker as a more reasonably-priced option compared to Raphinha.
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“There is interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, the Uruguay striker who scored home and away against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but Liverpool will not pursue the 22-year-old at any cost.” Joyce said.
Raphinha has already been the subject of serious interest from Barcelona after 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances, but Leeds are in the driving seat with the winger contracted until 2024 and unlikely to force a move.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have also shown a heavy interest in Kalvin Phillips and could plot a huge double-swoop for the Whites duo. Similarly to his Brazilian teammate, the 26-year-old is unlikely to cause trouble in pushing for a transfer, but he and Leeds both know that the right fee for Champions League football could prove too much to resist.
But strong negotiating positions for both mean the club can hold out until their demands are met, while contingency plans will be in place for swift and effective replacements.
