Manchester United will join rival arch-rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Darwin Núñez from Benfica, according to a new report.
The Red Devils have been the first to sign the talented Uruguayan, who last season scored 34 goals in 41 games in all competitions.
Last week it was reported that Benfica had rejected an offer worth € 105 million (£ 90 million) which consisted of € 75 million in cash, € 20 million in achievable bonuses and a player , proposed as Andreas Pereira, worth 10 million euros. in partial exchange.
In addition, it was reported that the Eagles were not unhappy with the overall value of the deal, but wanted the cash portion of the deal to be larger rather than including a player in the deal.
This seemed encouraging for United, who are looking to bolster their attacking strength following the departure of Darwin compatriot Edinson Cavani and the continued unavailability of Mason Greenwood.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have also been fighting for form in recent months, further depleting the Red Devils ’attacking options.
Still, The Times reports that Liverpool may be about to put a key to the works and join the battle for the 22-year-old.
The Merseyside team will lose Sadio Mané this summer as he enters the final year of his contract and has hinted that he wants to leave the club. Bayern Munich have already tested Liverpool’s decision with a £ 25million bid.
The Times states that “if they decide to sell [Mané]Liverpool would require a sufficient fee to recruit a suitable replacement.
“There is interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan striker who scored at home and away against Jürgen Klopp’s side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but Liverpool will not chase the 22-year-old at any cost.” .
Although difficult to admit for any United fan, Liverpool are likely to be a more attractive option for a young player right now, given their Champions League status and recent achievements.
However, if their agreement depends on Mané’s future being resolved first and a reasonable rate being negotiated, United would still seem to have the advantage if they move quickly.