Erik ten Hag keen to beat Liverpool to Darwin Nunez transfer and could use Manchester United outcast in deal

Erik ten Hag is keen for Manchester United to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool to Darwin Nunez this summer and could use Andreas Pereira as a makeweight in the deal.

Both United and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing Uruguay international Nunez, who has scored 48 goals in 85 appearances for Portuguese side Benfica.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, netting 34 goals in 41 games in all competitions, with his performances attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Ten Hag is keen to welcome Nunez to Old Trafford during his first transfer window in charge, having namechecked the Benfica star in discussions with his colleagues at United.

The Dutchman’s stance means Manchester United are ready to rival Liverpool for a summer deal, with Jurgen Klopp also a known admirer of Nunez.

According to The Independent, Benfica want £100m for the striker, although that fee could be reduced if any players are used as makeweights in the deal.

Brazilian midfielder Pereira, who has been on loan at Flamengo for the last two seasons, has reportedly been raised as a possible makeweight as both United and Benfica look for a suitable arrangement.

As well as signing a new striker, former Ajax boss Ten Hag also wants to bring in a midfielder and at least one central defender.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with moves for Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber and Ruben Nevez, with Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata among the stars to leave the club this summer.

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