Darwin Nunez could still leave Liverpool as Alexander Isak emerges as the club's leading centre-forward target
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool applauds the fans
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
As Liverpool step up attempts to add to their attacking arsenal this summer, the situation remains as it was for Darwin Nunez. The Reds' No.9 is expected to depart with a plethora of suitors gathered, but only for the correct price.
Nunez had made steady improvement in his two years working under Jurgen Klopp, scoring 15 goals in his maiden campaign in England before managing a return of 18 in the German's final season - all whilst contending with judgement from far and wide. The transition to working under Arne Slot proved difficult as the Uruguay international made only eight Premier League starts last season, scoring a lesser seven in all competitions.
Now with the time and finances capable of recruiting in attack, Liverpool have Newcastle United's Alexander Isak under consideration as they assess options on the market.
This interest is not new - after all, it has been claimed Nunez was signed ahead of the Sweden international three summers' ago. But as of yet the ECHO understands no contact has been made between Liverpool and Newcastle over a transfer taking place.
Isak's situation has been tied to the one of Hugo Ekitike, the striker who scored 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt last season. He is another the Reds have high on their shortlist but the 23-year-old is in-demand and it is widely reported that Newcastle themselves have seen a €80m (£69.4m) offer turned away as his club hold out for nearer to €100m (£86.7m).
No matter what Liverpool think of these options elsewhere it will not change their outlook towards Nunez.
He will leave if a suitable offer is received, that being in excess of £50m. Italian sides Napoli and AC Milan plus Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal all have eyes on the 26-year-old.
Last month Ex-Uruguay and Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano, who in the past played with Nunez at Penarol, claimed the pair had held a conversation in which the Liverpool striker said he is waiting on a transfer to Naples.
"Nunez? The warmth of the Neapolitans would do him a lot of good, I spoke to him about a week ago and I hope he really comes to Naples," the retired footballer told radio channel Kiss Kiss Napoli.
"I told him; 'Go to Naples!'. He and his family will decide what to do with his future. He told me; 'Yes, I'll come to Naples right away. I'm waiting to close with Naples'."
The Reds stance during the summer transfer has altered from the one they took during the previous January window.
Nunez had been subject of interest to another club from Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr, but with the season midway through and that point Liverpool were competing in four club competitions, they had no intention to break up their squad at a disadvantageous time.