Darwin Nunez repeatedly 'ignored instruction' from Liverpool staff before drastic Instagram decision

Darwin Nunez has reportedly ignored advice from staff at Liverpool amid speculation over his future at the club.

Nunez, 24, has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer after an inconsistent campaign for the Reds.

He fuelled speculation he could leave by deleting all pictures relating to his time at Anfield from his Instagram account following Sunday's 4-2 win over Tottenham.

The Uruguayan took the drastic step after receiving criticism from fans online, although a reference to Liverpool remains in his Instagram bio.

Nunez was later spotted with Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, fuelling rumours he could move to the Nou Camp this summer.

The Sun report that Barcelona view Nunez as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

But Fabrizio Romano claims Nunez is keen to speak to incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot before making any decisions about his future.

In addition to deleting Liverpool-related images from Instagram, Nunez also blocked a number of accounts relating to the club.

Speaking on the Walk On podcast (via Empire Of The Kop), The Athletic journalist James Pearce said the forward had been repeatedly advised by staff at Anfield to ignore online trolls but failed to heed their warnings.

"Darwin Nunez has been told numerous times by people at Liverpool to ignore that kind of thing. Don't even look at it," said Pearce.

"I think especially last season, when things were tough, he was reading stuff online and it was really hurting him."

Speaking earlier this season, Jurgen Klopp gave his full backing to Nunez and said the striker was a "quality" player.

"Wonderful guy, wonderful boy. He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest," Klopp said in March.

Darwin Nunez has reportedly ignored advice from staff at Liverpool amid speculation over his future at the club.

"It's like strikers are, they score and then they don’t score. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.

"He has the most important attitude a striker needs to have; he missed chances but all strikers are doing that but he is not bothered by it and just keeps going.

"That's why he now has a nice number of goals, games to come, opportunities to come.

"When he's not scoring he for us is incredibly important as he is a constant threat and gives us spaces in areas and options."

Klopp will be hoping Nunez makes an impact in his final weeks at the club, with Liverpool next facing Aston Villa away from home on Monday.