Liverpool 'set cut-price fee for Nunez as Napoli look to seal summer deal'

Liverpool have set a cut-price fee for Darwin Nunez as Napoli look to seal a speedy deal for the striker this summer, according to a new report.

The Reds broke their transfer record to sign the ace from Benfica for £85million in 2022 but he is ready to leave after taking on a bit-part role under Arne Slot.

Nunez, 25, scored seven goals last season but started just eight games in the Premier League as Slot's side went on to clinch the title in style.

Saudi side Al-Nassr saw a previous enquiry to sign the Uruguay international snubbed in January, despite them being prepared to offer as much as £70m.

But now, Alfredo Pedulla claims Liverpool would be willing to settle for as little as €50m (£42.7m) plus bonuses to part ways with the frontman - a drastic reduction.

Napoli are said to have already tabled a package worth around €43m and they are determined to wrap up a deal early to stave off the potential of a rival swooping in.

The Serie A champions are reported to have been chasing Nunez for the last month in their bid to become less reliant on Romelu Lukaku, who scored 14 goals last season.

Nunez is believed to want to stay in Europe and is not chasing money. However, Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Al-Hilal are one of the Saudi clubs circling again for his signature, and they would perhaps be able to offer exorbitant wages.

The striker has scored 40 goals and registered 26 assists in 143 matches since arriving at Anfield, but has reportedly given the OK to a departure this summer.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte agreed to remain in charge after lengthy discussions with the club's hierarchy and he has already begun work on strengthening his squad, luring Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne across to Naples on a free transfer.

Keen to address a lack of depth up top, Conte is exploring alternative options at No 9 and talks have also been opened with Udinese for Lorenzo Lucca.

Mail Sport understands Liverpool want to sign a striker if they can afford one.

Newcastle's Alexander Isak is the dream but he is likely to command an even bigger fee than the club's outlay on playmaker Florian Wirtz, who will join from Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz completed the first part of his medical after touching down in the UK on Thursday, while the second half of the checks are scheduled for today.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike is also on the Reds' radar.