Manchester United appear to be doing all they can to hijack Liverpool's move for Darwin Nunez, according to reports this afternoon.
The Reds have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old this week as widespread reports suggest they are in 'advanced talks' with the Portuguese club. Any potential deal is expected to be worth up to €100m (£85.5m) and discussions remain 'ongoing' over the structure of the deal.
The Athletic also reported today that Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with the player and they appear to be firmly in the driving seat.
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However, it seems United haven't given up hope of securing a deal themselves as new manager Erik Ten Hag has reportedly flown out to Portugal to meet with the player's agent Jorge Mendes. That's according to journalist Pedro Sepulveda, who insists the next few hours will be 'decisive'.
In a report on Sky Sports, Sepulveda says United are aware of the bid put forward by Liverpool and are making a last effort to see if a deal is possible. He adds Nunez is already 'thinking' about playing at Anfield and it will be difficult to persuade him to join either United or Newcastle at this stage.
He also highlights the player's desire to play Champions League football. Despite a new start for United next season under Ten Hag, they missed out on the top four last term so will not be able to meet that demand. Liverpool will be able to offer Champions League football after they finished second in the league behind Manchester City.
Fabrizio Romano also confirmed negotiations are at an 'advanced' stage between the two clubs and personal terms have already been discussed. However, United have been in contact with the player's representatives.
The ECHO understands that Liverpool won't be drawn into a bidding war over the player amid interest from elsewhere.
