(Football news) Liverpool have identified their number 1 target in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez with the 22 year old keen to move to Anfield this summer. The Uruguayan forward scored 34 goals for Benfica and put up an impressive display against what might be his future club, scoring in both the legs against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. Manchester United are also monitoring Nunez’s situation but a move to Old Trafford seems extremely unlikely at the moment. According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are preparing their first official bid of €80 million plus add ons with verbal talks going on between the representatives of the two clubs while Manchester United are also in contact with Nunez’s agent.

Liverpool have made it clear to Nunez and Benfica’s representatives that they are unwilling to pay over the odds for the forwards and will not enter into a bidding war. With the possible departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino’s contracts expiring next year, signing a young forward with potential could be exactly what Jurgen Klopp’s team needs. The Reds would be undoubtedly disappointed after missing out on the Premier League and Champions League last season, but they have shown real intent by inquiring about Kylian Mbappe and it goes to show that they’re on the market for nothing but the very best.

Liverpool will be bolstered by the addition of Fabio Carvalho from July 1st. The Reds could need further reinforcements in midfield as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future at the club is uncertain with the 28 year old having only one year left on his contract. Oxlade-Chamberlain has made only 29 appearances in 63 games so far and hasn’t played for the club since March while Takumi Minamino is another fringe player who has made just 24 appearances and could seek a move elsewhere for regular first team football. 

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