Liverpool are prepared to 'smash their transfer record' to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez this summer, according to a new report.
The 22-year-old is in high demand after a stellar season, which saw him score 34 times in 41 appearances in all competitions. Benfica are now prepared to cash in on Nunez and are believed to be chasing a fee in the region of £85millon for his services.
The ECHO understands the Uruguayan is on Liverpool’s shortlist as they prepare for life without Sadio Mane but that they will not be willing to pay over the odds.
However, the Daily Mail have claimed the Reds are willing to sign Nunez for a fee which would eclipse the club-record £75million spent on Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.
The Mirror have added Benfica are 'adamant' they will not lower their asking price after receiving enquiries from Liverpool, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.
A bid has not yet been submitted at this stage, as per the Times, though the prospect of playing under Jurgen Klopp is likely to excite Nunez. The Liverpool boss spoke highly of the Uruguayan ahead of Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final second leg back in April, telling reporters: “Extremely good looking boy, huh? And a decent player as well. Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konaté.
“He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good. I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”
