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Jurgen Klopp has placed Benfica striker Darwin Nunez on Liverpool ’s transfer shortlist this summer as the Reds begin to prepare for life without Sadio Mane.

The highly-rated Uruguay international is seen as one of the ideal attackers to replace the Senegal star who looks likely to head through the Anfield exit this summer after leaving the door open to a move elsewhere with Bayern Munich circling.

Nunez, 22, enjoyed a phenomenal campaign last season, netting 34 goals in 41 appearances and he caught Liverpool’s eye when netting in the 3-3 draw at Anfield in the Champions League quarter-final in April.

As first reported by the ECHO, Klopp is keen on adding the Benfica man to his squad, and it's not hard to see why. Nunez ticks many boxes from a Liverpool point of view, though it’s thought the Reds aren’t willing to pay the £85million that Benfica are said to be looking for. Yet if they can drive that fee down, then the 22-year-old could be the ideal striker to lead a new era for Liverpool’s front line.

Last season Nunez most often lined up in a front two within a 4-4-2 formation, though under interim manager Nelson Verissimo, Benfica tended to be a tactically fluid side, utilising other different formations such as 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3.