Manchester United pulled out of the race to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez after they were quoted a fee close to £100m
The Red Devils are interested in signing a new striker this summer after the exit of Edinson Cavani and the continued uncertainty surrounding Mason Greenwood, who remains suspended.
According to ESPN, however, Erik ten Hag believes he is capable of improving the club’s goalscoring output without making a major addition.
The Dutchman is looking forward to working with Marcus Rashford and believes he is capable of reviving the England international’s career.
Rashford struggled last campaign after the shoulder surgery and was reported to be contemplating his future before confirmation of Ten Hag’s appointment.
The 24-year-old was reported to have been made an offer by Tottenham but Rashford is reported to have dismissed that out of hand.
Nunez, meanwhile, is on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s record signing as Klopp looks to bolster a squad that was pipped to the Premier League and Champions League titles last season.
The Uruguay international boasts a formidable scoring record for Benfica and even impressed Klopp with his displays against his own team in Europe last term.
‘Really good, really good,’ said Klopp when asked to assess the 22-year-old. ‘I knew it before but he played pretty much in front of me. Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. Really good. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.’
According to ESPN, meanwhile, United were interested in Nunez but were reluctant to become embroiled in any bidding war and feel Liverpool will pay over the odds to land their key target.
Ten Hag will, instead, focus on signing at least one new midfielder and remains keen to be reunited with Frenkie de Jong who could leave Barcelona as a consequence of their financial position.
