Liverpool ‘are interested in Benfica star Darwin Nunez’ but will not pay over the odds for the lethal striker.
Manchester United are also keen on the Uruguayan and now face competition from Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer.
According to the Times, Liverpool hold a concrete interest in Nunez but ‘not at any cost’. He is understood to valued at around £68m and be leaning towards teams playing Champions League football.
The 22-year-old is widely expected to leave Benfica when the transfer window opens and the Portuguese side will hope to spark a bidding war for his signature.
Nunez has been one of Europe’s breakout stars of this season, scoring an astonishing 34 goals in 40 appearances.
Liverpool understand there is value to be found in Portugal having signed Luis Diaz from Porto in January.
Newcastle also hold an interest in Nunez but face an uphill struggle to convince him that St James’ Park should be his next destination.
He would be a marquee signing for Erik ten Hag’s revolution at United, but the Dutchman will be uneasy at Liverpool’s presence in the race to sign him.
Klopp was full of praise for the South American when Benfica took ok Liverpool in the Champions League last season and the Reds need to reinforce their forward line with Sadio Mane heading for the exit door.
Back in April, the German joked: ‘Extremely good looking boy, huh?
‘And a decent player as well,’ he added. ‘Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate.
‘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.’