Liverpool’s new sporting director Julian Ward is in Portugal as he attempts to seal the transfer of Darwin Nunez.
The Reds are closing in on the signing of the 22-year-old Uruguay international, whose rise to prominence continued last season when he scored 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica.
But reports last night suggested the clubs remained £8m apart in their negotiations - with the Portuguese giants holding out for a £68m up-front fee before add-ons are taken into consideration. Liverpool, it has been suggested, would prefer to pay nearer to £60m up front.
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And The Times have claimed that Ward is now in Portugal where he is is ‘conducting face-to-face discussions with Benfica’s key decision-makers, Rui Pedro Braz and Rui Costa’.
The report also states that Ward and the Reds want to ensure additional fees due to Benfica are linked to player and team achievements and not based on appearances.
Personal terms, it is said, will not be an issue with Nunez, who was left out of Uruguay’s squad for their friendly with Panama on Saturday night, said to be desperate to move to Anfield despite interest from other clubs including Manchester United.
Should Nunez complete his move to Liverpool, after add-ons, it could eclipse the club-record £75m fee paid for Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.
