Liverpool seek to drive down fee for Nunez with director of football Ward in talks with Benfica

Liverpool director of football Julian Ward is in Portugal hoping to drive down Benfica’s initial asking price for Darwin Nunez.

Benfica want £68m up front with a further £17m in add-ons based on appearances and Ward hopes to reach agreement at around £60m plus more conservative bonuses.

Nunez has emerged as the Reds’ main transfer target as the club look to the future with Sadio Mane seeking an exit, while Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will both become free agents next summer.

Striker Darwin Nunez has emerged as Liverpool’s main transfer target this summer

The 22-year-old striker is one of Europe’s hottest new talents after a scintillating season that saw him smash in 34 goals in 41 games for the Portuguese outfit, and the Merseyside outfit have become convinced he is the man to bring fresh impetus to their forward line. 

Sportsmail revealed this week that Jurgen Klopp’s side had opened talks with Benfica to bring the player to Anfield amid interest from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid in a £85million move that would break their transfer record.

Nunez has also agreed to the move, the report adds, with the player currently on international duty with Uruguay but having ‘already said yes’ to playing for Klopp. 

The 22-year-old caught Jurgen Klopp’s eye last season after scoring twice against Liverpool

The £85m transfer would be a new record for Liverpool, eclipsing the £75m they paid for defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2017. 

Liverpool have not asked for Nunez to be pulled out of Uruguay’s game against Panama but the 22-year-old could head to Merseyside for a medical this week if Ward concludes the deal. 

Liverpool are awaiting a third bid from Bayern Munich for £42m-rated Sadio Mane while Monaco are pushing to sign midfielder Takumi Minamino ahead of Wolves.

Jurgen Klopp looks to have beaten off competition from Manchester United and Atletico