Jurgen Klopp reacts to Champions League final defeat
Liverpool reportedly discussed the possibility of offloading Takumi Minamino and Kostas Tsimikas to Benfica as part of a deal to sign Darwin Nunez, according to reports in Portugal. The Reds are now close to finalising the blockbuster signing of the Uruguayan international frontman, who is now on the verge of sealing his switch to Anfield in a move worth up to £85million including add-ons.
Liverpool arrived at the table earlier in the week and it soon became clear they were serious about signing the 34-goal attacker, who netted twice against the Reds in this season's Champions League.
However, reporters that cover Liverpool made it predominately clear that sporting director Julian Ward would not get drawn into a bidding war.
Nunez is valued at around £85m by Benfica, who are targeting a record sale as they look to net as much money as possible for their top goalscorer.
And according to A Bola (Thursday's print edition), it appears Liverpool originally tried to keep the fee down by including two players in the deal.
Liverpool reportedly tried a swap deal to sign Darwin Nunez (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool reportedly offered Benfica Kostas Tsimikas and Takumi Minamino (Image: GETTY)
A Bola claim Liverpool offered two players to Benfica in the deal (Image: A Bola)
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Benfica are said to have decided they wanted a straight cash package, turning down the chance to sign Minamino and/or Tsimikas in return.
Now all indications suggest Liverpool are close to concluding a deal for the 22-year-old after negotiating a proposal worth around £69million up front and £17m in achievable add-ons.
The Portuguese club have still been angling to try and get more of the money upfront but Liverpool seem unlikely to budge.
Furthermore, Benfica also know that this is a mouthwatering offer - despite declaring there is an unknown club willing to pay more.