The Race For Benfica's Darwin Núñez: Manchester United Propose More Than Liverpool's £68 Million Offer For Forward

The race to secure the services of Uruguayan star Darwin Núñez has taken another turn, as Manchester United have launched a proposal with a fixed amount more than Liverpool, according to reports

A battle between two of England’s top clubs is quickly becoming the most compelling transfer saga in the summer window, with both Manchester United and Liverpool desperate to land the Uruguayan forward.

Both teams are in need of replacements in forward areas as Marcus Rashford and Sadio Mane are heavily linked with moves away from their respective clubs, while Rashford has also been in poor form for the club.

The left winger scored only four Premier League goals last season, in a year where he stated only 13 games in the league.

Núñez would provide strong competition for the players at the front end of the pitch as Erik ten Hag looks to have a bright start to life at the Theatre of Dreams.

While Liverpool has seemingly become clear favourites to land Núñez, it has been reported that United have made a proposal for the forward that has a higher fixed fee than the £68m offered to Benfica by Liverpool.

This increased proposal could provide yet another turning point in the battle between the two Premier League clubs, with neither appearing to be put off by the increasing figure being touted to secure his signature.

Manchester United’s proposal of a higher fixed fee for Núñez will likely lead to intense consideration from Benfica, due to the security a fixed fee offers the selling club over potential add-ons, with these add-ons allegedly making up close to £17m of Liverpool's proposal.

While both United and Liverpool remain adamant to sign Núñez and bolster their attacking options moving into the 22/23 season, both will be eager not to overpay in their fees.

The two clubs remain extremely active in the market, with United being heavily linked to Frenkie De Jong and Ibrahim Sangaré.

While news of this proposal will boost the hopes of United fans who desperately want to see marque additions to the club in the wake of a poor 21/22 campaign, Núñez is said to have his heart on a move to Anfield.

This ultimately comes down to the prospect of Champions League football next season.

It is hoped that a detailing of Erik Ten Hag’s project for United over the coming years will convince the 22 year-old to instead opt for a move to Old Trafford.

The skill set Núñez would bring to the Red Devils could see their attack change dimension, as Núñez is able to play as a centre forward, left wing or second striker.

This could conceivably see Cristiano Ronaldo play as a centre forward, with Núñez on the left wing and Jadon Sancho on the right wing.

Sancho was at his best here for Dortmund in the Bundesliga and this could see him demonstrate the skill and attacking threat he was initially signed for.

Núñez as a second striker could also potentially give Ronaldo the extra support that would allow him to assume a more poacher like role and build on last season’s strong goal tally of 18 for the Portuguese icon.

It is hoped that the race for Nunez will be completed imminently, with the Uruguayan signing his future to playing in red, at Old Trafford.