Erik ten Hag is keen for Manchester United to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool to the signing of Darwin Nunez this summer and could use Andreas Pereira as a makeweight in the deal.
Both the Red Devils and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing Nunez, who has scored 48 goals in 85 games for Portuguese side Benfica.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last campaign, netting 34 goals in 41 games in all competitions, with his performances attracting interest from some of the biggest teams in Europe.
Ten Hag is keen to welcome Nunez to Old Trafford during his first transfer window at the club, having namechecked the Benfica star in talks with his colleagues at United.
The Dutchman’s stance means United are ready to rival Liverpool for a summer deal, with Jurgen Klopp also a known admirer of Nunez.
According to The Independent, Benfica want around £100m for the striker, although that fee could be reduced if any players are used as makeweights in the deal.
Brazilian midfielder Pereira, who has been on loan at Flamengo for the last two years, has reportedly been raised as a possible makeweight as both United and Benfica look for an arrangement.
As well as signing a new striker, former Ajax manager Ten Hag also wants to bring in a midfielder and at least one centre-back.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked with moves for Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber and Ruben Nevez, with Paul Pogba, Lingard and Juan Mata among the players to leave the club this summer.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has urged Nunez to turn down United and prioritise a move to Anfield.
Responding to an Instagram story that suggested Nunez was keen to join Erik ten Hag’s side, Enrique said: ‘I hope this is not true and he comes to us instead.
‘We (Liverpool) should go for him, a top player who can become world class under Jurgen Klopp if we sell Sadio Mane.’
