Liverpool is set to break the transfer record for £85 million

LIVERPOOL are ready to make a bid for Benfica star Darwin Nunez, but would prefer to see his asking price reduced to £60 million.

The Reds, led by Jurgen Klopp, are attempting to outbid Manchester United and Newcastle for Nunez’s signature.

It comes as the club looks for a replacement for Sadio Mane, who looks set to leave – most likely to Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have started talks with Benfica and plan to make a bid soon.

Benfica wants £80 million, but Liverpool wants at least £20 million less, considering they paid £50 million for then-Porto star Luis Diaz.

The ball is now in Benfica’s court to decide how to proceed.

Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked with Nunez’s signature.

Nunez is aware of Manchester United’s interest, but prefers a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool is aware that United has made Nunez their primary striker this summer.

If Liverpool meet Benfica’s demands, Nunez would become the club’s most expensive signing, surpassing Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million move from Southampton in 2018.

During last season, Klopp was able to observe the player in action.

Liverpool defeated Benfica 6-4 on aggregate in the Champions League quarterfinals, but striker Nunez scored twice in both legs.

Nunez also had two goals disallowed for offside in the second leg, which would have given him a hat-trick at Anfield.

Klopp said of Nunez, “Extremely good.”