Liverpool preparing ‘verbal’ £69m bid for Darwin Nunez amid Mane uncertainty

Liverpool are reportedly set to test the waters for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez as they look to find a replacement for Sadio Mane this summer.

The Senegal forward seems destined to depart Anfield, with Bayern Munich the sole party credited with an interest at present, and that will leave a sizeable gap in Jurgen Klopp’s frontline.

And, according to reports, it is one that they are interested in plugging with Darwin Nunez, who scored in each leg of the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Benfica.

The 22-year-old was linked with West Ham and Newcastle in January, but his 26 goals in 28 Liga Portuguese games has seen him leave mid-table links behind, now targeting a move to a Champions League club.

It means that Arsenal and Manchester United, though interested, are well down in the pecking order.

And, as per the reliable Fabrizio Romano, it is Liverpool that are ready to shell out on the forward, with the reds verbally communicating an opening offer of around 80m euros (£69m) including add-ons.

Liverpool are planning to prepare an opening, verbal bid for Darwin Núñez to test water with Benfica. Proposal could be around €80m with add-ons. Manchester United also in contact with Núñez’s agent. 🇺🇾 #LFC

Both clubs guarantee they have no intention to enter into bidding war. pic.twitter.com/pH559Xnpuy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2022

Some sources, such as Gianluigi Longari, even claim that a deal is further down the line than that, with personal terms already agreed and a fee close to agreement.

#Liverpool close to reach an agreement with #Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez. #LFC Agreement on personal terms. @tvdellosport

— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) June 8, 2022

What does seem clear, however, is that Liverpool are stepping up their search for a replacement for Sadio Mane even as they turned down a second Bayern Munich bid on Wednesday.