Jorge Mendes could repeat Luis Diaz Liverpool transfer trick in record £85m deal

Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes is one of the most formidable figures in the game when it comes to the transfer window, and he could be about to play another huge role in Liverpool’s summer business.

Mendes, who runs his own GestiFute player agency is one of the most significant football agents of all time and lists top players and managers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Jose Mourinho among his clients. He also has previous in dealing with the Reds, representing Diogo Jota, Fabio Carvallho and Fabinho in their moves to Anfield.

He has acquired Liverpool target Darwin Nunez as one of his clients. The Benfica striker switched agents this summer from his Uruguayan representative Edgardo Lasalvia to link up with Mendes, who is lining up a blockbuster switch.

The ECHO understands Liverpool’s interest in Nunez, who scored a remarkable 34 goals in 41 appearances for the Portuguese side last season, is genuine. His exploits included six Champions league goals and two against Liverpool in the quarter-final. He has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and has been linked to numerous clubs including Manchester United, who last week were reported to be favourites for his signature.

However, the ECHO has also reported that Jurgen Klopp’s side will not be drawn into an auction with United over the in-demand forward that could see them pay above their valuation. Nunez is among a number of players on the Reds' shortlist as they look to continue evolving their attack with Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino likely to follow Divock Origi in departing this summer.

Nevertheless, they appreciate that any final fee is likely to challenge or even surpass the club record £75m the Reds paid to take Virgil