Manchester United look set to reignite their interest in Liverpool target Darwin Nunez, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It was reported earlier that the Reds had agreed personal terms with the Benfica striker but the Red Devils are set to swoop in and try and hijack the deal.
According to Pedro Sepúlveda, Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes is having a meeting in Portugal with Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag.
Darwin Núñez deal. Key hours ahead as reported, waiting for key stages as Liverpool are in advanced talks with Benfica on €80m verbal bid and personal terms [five year deal] already discussed.
…but Manchester United are in contact with his agent, even today afternoon ⤵️ https://t.co/AGvDtMgzBg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2022
Manchester United Prepare to Ambush Liverpool’s Number One Transfer Target
Red Devils Look to Resurrect Nunez Transfer
It looked highly likely that Liverpool were set to land the in-demand Uruguay striker after the Benfica man reportedly agreed personal terms with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Read also: Liverpool Agree Personal Terms for Benfica Striker
However, Manchester United, who have also been a keen admirer of the 22-year-old, are set to come in with an offer of their own with Liverpool yet to make an official approach to the Portuguese club.
With ten Hag meeting up with Mendes to discuss terms for the Uruguayan, another potential twist could yet happen in this dramatic transfer saga.
Nunez Wants Champions League Football
One stumbling block that Manchester United could find themselves in is that Nunez wants to play Champions League football and this is something that the Red Devils are unable to offer.
The Uruguayan also previously commented that, out of the two clubs, he would prefer to play at Anfield next season.
Despite that, the lure of a bigger contract is something Erik ten Hag’s side could offer. Despite it looking like Liverpool would break their transfer record in order to sign Nunez, the Red Devils would arguably offer a higher wage.
With Liverpool looking to offer an initial €80 million plus €20 million in performance-related add-ons, Manchester United could reportedly offer Benfica the full amount from the off.
What Nunez Will Bring to Manchester United or Liverpool
Goals. Nunez has been prolific for Benfica since his arrival from Almeria in 2020. Last season, the Uruguay international netted 34 goals from 41 appearances. He has scored 47 times from 84 Benfica outings and has added 16 assists.
With an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo topping the charts for Manchester United with 24 goals in all competitions, the next highest scorer was Bruno Fernandes with just ten.
As for Liverpool, their attacking trio is full of goals but with Sadio Mane linked with a move to Bayern Munich and the future of Mohamed Salah uncertain, Klopp needs to bring in reinforcements ahead of next season if they want to challenge for the title.