Liverpool transfer news: Reds 'identify two replacements' for Darwin Nunez including £70.5m star

The former Benfica striker joined the Reds in what could prove to be a record-breaking deal, as the Merseyside giants committed to a total package of £85m when they signed the South American from the Eagles in 2022.

However, Nunez has never truly hit the heights expected of him at Anfield and has endured a particularly rough time of things this season, only managing four goals and three assists in 23 matches.

The 25-year-old's disappointing tally includes just two strikes and two assists from 14 Premier League games - only seven of which have been from the first whistle - and his well-documented wastefulness in front of goal has been lambasted by supporters this season.

Arne Slot has often preferred Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo up front over Nunez, whose contract still runs for another three-and-a-half years, but it appears that the Reds board are now ready to cut their losses.

Alexander Isak, Marcus Thuram among possible Nunez replacements

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool will look to sell the Uruguay international when the summer transfer window rolls around, as Slot has not been impressed with him ever since their first few training sessions together.

News of AC Milan launching a loan-to-buy offer for Nunez are believed to be wide of the mark, but Liverpool have wasted no time in scoping out potential successors at the tip of the attack.

Among two reported top candidates is Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who has hit a rich vein of form in the Premier League with goals in each of his last six appearances in the competition.

However, a more affordable option comes in the shape of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, who has had a direct hand in 18 goals in 17 Serie A appearances this season, 12 of his own and six assists.

Thuram's Inter contract apparently includes a release clause worth €85m (£70.5m), which Liverpool supposedly believe is a reasonable price, and they may not even have to fork out that much to bring him to Anfield.

The report adds that while the Nerazzurri are delighted with the Frenchman's form, any transfer where they could raise significant funds will be considered, and they could accept an offer slightly lower than his buyout clause.

How are Liverpool progressing with contract extensions?

A January exit for Nunez is not believed to be under consideration, especially while sporting director Richard Hughes already has his hands full trying to sort out Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold's contracts.

It has been claimed that Salah has now agreed a new deal in principle with the Reds, but there is one final obstacle to overcome before he puts pen to paper, while Real Madrid have failed with an initial approach for Alexander-Arnold.

Dialogue is ongoing with Van Dijk's entourage too, although it was reported a few weeks back that he has decided to continue on Merseyside for a little while longer.

Written by

Ben Knapton