Al Hilal are stepping up their pursuit of Darwin Nunez, talkSPORT understands.
talkSPORT revealed Al Hilal’s interest in the Uruguay forward in June but the Saudi Arabian club waited to formally approach him until after the Club World Cup in a move driven by manager Simone Inzaghi.
Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer
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Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summerCredit: Getty
Despite reports, Al Ahli have never been in the race for the forward.
talkSPORT understands Al Hilal have agreed personal terms with the player and were are focused on achieving this before they submit a bid to Liverpool.
The asking price is understood to be €70million [approximately £61m], the same fee that Al Nassr bid in January.
Nunez, who is expected to leave Anfield this summer, was open to joining Al Nassr in January. However, Liverpool blocked the move as they didn’t want him to leave mid-season.
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There could be some flexibility in the move with the right payment terms.
Nunez has been training as normal ahead of Liverpool's two pre-season friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
talkSPORT reported earlier this summer that Nunez is pushing for a move away from Liverpool amid interest from Napoli.
The Italian champions are no longer in race for Nunez having failed to meet Liverpool’s valuation of the player.
Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s future remains open. The Al Hilal striker is likely to be made available should Nunez arrive.
Mitrovic was informed before the Club World Cup another striker was incoming. Hilal are open to loan and permanent offers.
Liverpool will be able to recoup a hefty sum with a sale
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Liverpool will be able to recoup a hefty sum with a saleCredit: Getty
Multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, are monitoring the situation.
Nunez and his potential Liverpool exit
Nunez appeared to hit out at his lack of minutes for Liverpool towards the end of last season.
The Uruguayan took to social media with a post in April, although it was quickly deleted.
"No wonder I didn't play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…" he said.
Nunez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool.
He netted five of those in the Premier League last season as the Reds became champions.
Nunez joined Liverpool in an £85m deal from Benfica in 2022
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Nunez joined Liverpool in an £85m deal from Benfica in 2022Credit: Getty
Liverpool have already sold one of their forwards this summer, with Luis Diaz now at Bayern Munich.
The Colombian has moved to the Bundesliga champions after a £65.5m deal was agreed.