Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward has already been “in discussions” with Benfica as the Reds press ahead with plans to sign Darwin Nunez, according to journalist Dominic King.
The usually reliable Daily Mail reporter has said that the Merseyside club are prepared to break their transfer record for the Uruguayan international, with Benfica having set their asking price at £85m:
BREAKING: Liverpool are ready to SMASH their transfer record as they open talks to sign £85m Darwin Nunez with Benfica | @DominicKing_DM https://t.co/ocz7qFNWzT pic.twitter.com/jL5gEjnjr9
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) June 8, 2022
Nunez is believed to be interested in a move to Anfield so that should help Liverpool get a deal over the line. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are also said to be pursuing him, while the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham have been keeping tabs on the striker.
It was originally believed that Nunez may only cost around €70m (£60m) to €80m (£68.5m) but King has revealed that Nunez’s previous club, Almeria, have a 20% sell-on clause, which has led to the price tag being pushed up further. It is now down to Ward to get the best deal possible for the Reds.