Liverpool have been handed a boost in the race to land coveted Benfica striker, Darwin Nunez.
Nunez has been attracting a fair bit of attention over the last several months and it is easy to see why.
The Uruguayan had a solid 2020/21 which saw him score 12 and assist 13 in 43 outings across all competitions. It is this past season, though, where he has really come into his own.
Nunez netted 26 and assisted four in 28 league games for Benfica whilst also finding the net on six occasions in the Champions League.
Such fine goal-scoring form has seen Manchester United, Liverpool and more sides tipped to land the hitman.
Now, as per The Times, Liverpool are keen on Nunez, with the player himself open to a move to Anfield to work with Jurgen Klopp.
It is added that Benfica want around £85m for the striker should they lose him, but Times reporter Paul Joyce is of the opinion that the price will come down:
Darwin Nunez keen on Liverpool and Liverpool interest is clear. Will come down to price https://t.co/y3IqfdeF4p
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) June 8, 2022
Should Liverpool sign Nunez?
Either way, signing Nunez looks set to be a pretty big gamble for any potential suitor. It is hard to see anyone paying £85m for a striker who is relatively unproven in the top-five leagues.
And even if Benfica do knock their price down to say somewhere around £60m, that is still a lot of money for a centre-forward whose only real experience in the big leagues comes via the Champions League.
Liverpool are not known for taking transfer gambles anymore, but with Sadio Mane likely to depart this summer, they may be forced to do so ahead of 2022/23.