Italian giants AC Milan have reportedly entered the race for Liverpool’s wantaway striker Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan looks set to leave Merseyside this summer after making just eight starts as Arne Slot’s side breezed to the Premier League title last season.
He had been the subject of interest from Antonio Conte’s Napoli earlier in the window, with the Italian club thought to have been negotiating a cut-price deal with Liverpool.
But talks eventually collapsed after club officials failed to agree a price, with Napoli instead signing Udinese frontman Lorenzo Lucca.
Now, AC Milan – who recently re-appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their manager – have identified Nunez as a target up front.
The Rossoneri have made contract with the forward’s representatives over a deal, according to Sky Sports in Italy.
AC Milan have reportedly made Darwin Nunez their top transfer target up front
The Rossoneri are keen to bolster new manager Massimiliano Allegri’s frontline
Nunez, who is also receiving interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, is thought to be Milan’s top target ahead of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Arnaud Kalimuendo, who plays in France for Rennes.
The sale of Nunez just two years after he signed in a £85m deal from Benfica will no-doubt help Liverpool fund their pursuit of Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.
Having already bolstered their ranks with the additions of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike, the Reds submitted their first bid of £110m for the striker on Friday.
Newcastle were thought to be disappointed by the offer and quickly rejected, with Liverpool chiefs expected to submit a second proposal soon.
The Mapgies are however reluctant to sell without a replacement lined-up as they continue their bid to sign RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian has also been made aware of interest from Manchester United, and is currently thought to be weighing up his next move.
Newcastle and Eddie Howe are also working on a deal to bring in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
If they’re to secure Isak’s services next season, Liverpool have been told it will take a bid of closer to £150m.
The sale of Nunez would help the Reds in their pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak
The Swede is thought to have told the Magpies that he wants to join the league champions
Isak has reportedly told Newcastle he wants to leave after reporting a thigh injury ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
He spent last week training at former club Real Sociedad, but is expected to return to Tyneside this weekend.
Speaking about the possible loss of his star man, Eddie Howe told Mail Sport: ‘I know where he is, really, through the media.
‘From that perspective, it’s difficult for me to go into any kind of detail. The situation is far from ideal and is quite complex.
‘I was made aware of a bid yesterday (Friday) and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it.
‘People back in England are dealing with the situation. I don’t know what happens next. From our perceptive, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.’
The Premier League season is now just two weeks away, kicking off on Friday 15 August with Liverpool taking off Bournemouth.