Liverpool are closing in on the transfer of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as talks remain ongoing.
The ECHO understands an agreement on the payment structure of the deal is yet to be finalised, although progress is being made between the clubs. The deal, including potential add-ons, could see Nunez become the Reds' record signing.
And a report in The Times has revealed Liverpool and Benfica remain £8m apart in their negotiations. It's claimed that's because the Reds are 'reluctant' to meet the £68m up-front cost being demanded by the Portuguese club. The Anfield outfit, it is reported, are looking to pay closer to £60m up-front. With add-ons, it could take the overall fee to £85m.
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Virgil van Dijk is currently Liverpool's record transfer at £75m following the deal struck with Southampton back in January 2018. While the initial fee for Nunez won't surpass that, with add-ons, he could become the club's most expensive signing.
The 22-year-old's potential arrival comes as Sadio Mane edges closer to the exit door after six years at Anfield. Bayern Munich have already had two bids rejected by Liverpool for the Senegalese forward but the ECHO also understands further movement is expected next week.
The report from The Times adds that the Bundesliga champions are 'expected to return with a third bid', which is closer to the £40m asking price set by the Reds. Mane is about to enter the final year of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023.
