Liverpool 'prepared to break transfer record to sign Manchester United target Darwin Nunez'

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to break their transfer record in an attempt to sign Benfica striker and reported Manchester United target Darwin Nunez.

According to a report by the The Times, Benfica want £85million for the Uruguayan, with the Daily Mail's Dominic King reporting Liverpool are prepared to spend more than the £75million they splurged on Virgil van Dijk to ensure they get their man.

Nunez netted 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica this term, as well as chipping in with four assists. Of his 34 goals, six of them came in the Champions League, two of which were against Liverpool at the quarter-final stage.

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Jurgen Klopp praised Nunez earlier in the year, saying: "Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate. 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."

United are also said to be interested in Nunez, as they aim to source a replacement for the 22-year-old's compatriot Edinson Cavani. Cavani's exit from Old Trafford leaves Cristiano Ronaldo as the club's only recognisable senior striker, with United keen to recruit someone to provide competition for the Portugal captain.

Nunez's reported £85million price tag could deal a blow to United's hopes of signing him, with Erik ten Hag intent on strengthening in a number of areas this summer, and likely mindful that such a big outlay on one player could leave him short in other areas. Among United's other targets are the Ajax right-back Jurrien Timber,