Liverpool told to sign ideal "Klopp player" as replacement if Sadio Mane joins Bayern

Liverpool should move for Darwin Nunez if they lose Sadio Mane, according to former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson, despite the Uruguayan being likely to cost "mega-money".

Senegal forward Mane is out of contract in 2023, and has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich. Liverpool won't want to let their star leave on the cheap, and may prefer to lose him on a free a year from now rather than compromise on a free this summer, but they'll also have their eye on potential replacements.

The Reds have already added Fabio Carvalho to their ranks this summer, while Luis Diaz arrived in January. However, with Divock Origi moving on and Mane potentially following suit, a new arrival may be needed, and Nunez - already linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United - may fit the bill after impressing against the Reds for Benfica.

Speaking exclusively to on behalf of 888sport, Lawrenson identified Nunez as the ideal replacement if the Reds do lose Mane. "He's going to be mega-money I think, but we saw what he could do at Anfield in the second leg," the former Ireland international said.

"He's very quick, very strong, obviously knows where the goal is, but that night I was really impressed with the fact that he worked his socks off for the team. Straight away I thought 'wow, there's a Klopp player if there ever is one', so we'll wait and see."

Lawrenson also pointed to Mane's work-rate when admitting the loss of the "fabulous" former Southampton man would be a big blow. "He's probably not had as much praise as Mohamed Salah, obviously, but he can play in three different positions, all across the front three, and he's strong and he chases back and he works hard, and I'm told by many people down at the training