Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United fighting it out to sign Darwin Nunez – reports

Liverpool could be ready to break their transfer record to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica, according to a report.

The Uruguayan striker, who netted 34 times in 41 games for the Eagles last term, is also being tracked by Manchester United and Newcastle, but would appear to be reciprocating the Reds’ growing advances with his heart understood to be set on a move to Anfield.

And if Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool hierarchy do manage to lure Nunez, the reported fee of £85m would surpass the £75m they paid Southampton for Virgil Van Dijk back in 2018.

Uruguayan outlet Record suggest that another club – believed to be Manchester United or Newcastle – is prepared to pay more for Nunez, but Liverpool are seen as the front-runners.

“He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good.

“I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

Another aspect that would seem to give the deal a boost is that Nunez is represented by the same agents that look after Liverpool players Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Fabio Carvalho,

Nunez, who can play either through the middle or wide left, has made 11 appearances for Uruguay, with two goals.

Prior to signing for Benfica, he made his first move to Europe by signing for Almeria, where he scored 16 goals in his single season at the Spanish club.