Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already waxed lyrical about Manchester United transfer target Darwin Nunez amid claims that the Merseysiders are prepared to smash their transfer record to secure his signature.
It has been reported that the Anfield outfit are trying to secure the Uruguayan's signature this summer — but Benfica are set to demand £85million for his services. Nunez has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Portugal, notching 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.
United have held talks about the prospect of bringing the 22-year-old to Old Trafford, but the Manchester Evening News understands that they are not prepared to engage in a bidding war with their Premier League rivals, nor are Liverpool. United are keen to add a new striker to their ranks, but it is unlikely they would invest such a significant sum of money in one position when several others need strengthening.
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But Nunez has attracted praise from opposition managers and players in the past year, including Klopp — who now has ambitions of being able to utilise his talent, opposed to trying to stop it. After Liverpool faced Benfica in the Champions League quarter-finals back in April, the German made a special case for hailing his qualities.
"He's a good striker," said Klopp. "The next one from Uruguay. I don't know how they play together, Cavani, Suarez and him, in one team – that's probably a challenge to put that in place.
"Top, top boy. Yes, the goals he's scored. Obviously the one against Ajax in Amsterdam was a massive one, yes in the group stage as well, so he's not shy."
As well as netting 34 goals this season, Nunez also registered five assists, meaning he ended the season with 38 direct goal contributions in 41 matches. He also demonstrated his ability to play out wide, scoring 10 goals in just five matches from the left-flank.
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