Liverpool have reportedly added Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez to their shortlist of players who could potentially replace wantaway star Sadio Mane.
The Senegal international is keen on ending his Anfield stay after six years with the Reds, during which time he has won every honour possible in a Reds shirt and established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in world football. It is unclear where his desire to leave Liverpool stems from, but plans are already being drawn up to find Mane's eventual successor.
The Reds hierarchy are rumoured to be exploring the possibility of signing Nunez from Benfica this summer, though it is not a transfer that would come cheap - or anything close. The young Uruguayan striker is currently one of the most in-demand forward's in world football.
If Liverpool were to secure Nunez's signature, they would have to beat the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea to the punch as the 22-year-old's reputation only continues to grow on the continent.
Jurgen Klopp's men know all too well how potent Nunez can be, given the striker scored two goals against the Reds during the knockout stages of the Champions League. Benfica met Liverpool at the quarter-final stage of the competition, with Nunez bagging goals in the home and away legs.
This deal can only take place if Klopp and co. eventually sanction the sale of Mane, but that could take longer than some may expect. Despite the fact that the 30-year-old has just one year left to run on his Reds contract, Liverpool are in no real rush to sell the Senegal star.
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This summer presents Klopp's last real chance to cash in on Mane before he walks away for free in 12 months time - but Liverpool have rejected the first concrete offer that has come their way, with the bid coming from German giants Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga titans have been relentlessly touted with a move for Mane ever since his wish to leave Liverpool came to light, but their initial offer has been swiftly rebuffed by the reigning FA Cup and Carabao Cup champions.
Bayern's offer for Mane is reported to be a bid of £21million along with £4m in add-ons according to the Times, a sum many would argue is a reasonable offer for a 30-year-old forward with just one year left to run on his current deal. Nevertheless, it was rejected by Liverpool who are holding out for more.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern will return with another bid. Liverpool are in a similar position with their own stance on Nunez, while they want the Benfica talisman and have seen his skill up close - they will not be cornered into paying above the odds and will look elsewhere if they feel they have to.
