Liverpool ‘following’ £45m Villarreal star as option if they ‘miss out’ on Darwin Nunez

Liverpool hold a long-term interest in Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma, who could be an option for the Reds if they ‘miss out’ on Darwin Nunez, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

A report on Thursday claimed Liverpool and Benfica are locked in negotiations over a structured £85m deal for Nunez, including a £65m down payment followed by a series of bonuses.

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A further report suggests Liverpool could offer a number of players in exchange for the 22-year-old.

It’s claimed Jurgen Klopp – who was effusive in his praise of the Uruguayan after he scored home and away against his side in the Champions League last term – has made the forward his number one target.

And the feeling is said to be mutual, with Nunez reportedly telling Benfica that he ‘only wants a move to Anfield’.

Romano, in his column for CaughtOffside, admits Nunez is the ‘priority’ for Liverpool and believes they are not in a ‘mindset to have a Plan B’.

But he does believe Klopp’s side are keeping tabs on Danjuma, a player they have been ‘following for a long time’.

He wrote: ‘As of today Liverpool are leading the race for Darwin Nunez, still waiting to get the deal done. The next few hours will be crucial to understand if Liverpool and Benfica will complete the deal.

‘Liverpool are in negotiations with Darwin Nunez’s agent on a five year contract, they are confident but they are still working in these hours with Benfica to reach full agreement.

‘What if the clubs miss out? It’s not really in Liverpool’s mindset to have a Plan B: they identify their target and try in every way to achieve it.

‘I can tell you, however, that one player who they have been following for a long time is Arnaut Danjuma of Villarreal.’

Danjuma moved from Bournemouth to the Spanish side in the summer of 2021 for £21m and impressed both in La Liga and the Champions League in his first season, with 16 goals and four assists in all competitions.