Nunez urged to pick Liverpool over Man Utd as transfer battle intensifies

If Liverpool and Manchester United are going head-to-head to sign Darwin Nunez this summer, the Uruguayan should decide to pick Anfield over Old Trafford.

That's according to former England right-back Glen Johnson, who believes it would make sense for Nunez to join Jurgen Klopp's side ahead of United as they eye more trophies next season. The Reds lifted the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last campaign but missed out on the Premier League and Champions League titles in the final month.

In comparison, the Red Devils finished with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally, having accumulated just 58 from their 38 matches. Unlike Liverpool, United will play in the Europa League next season rather than the top tier of European football - another reason why the Merseyside club could be the more attractive destination.

The Benfica forward scored 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions last season, including a brace against Barcelona in the Champions League. When asked about whether Nunez should choose Liverpool or United, Johnson assessed why he would pick Klopp's side instead of joining Erik ten Hag's men.

He told Bettingodds : "You'd think Núñez would head to Anfield if it's between Liverpool and Manchester United. As we know, Manchester United don't have the same pulling power they once did.

"There was a time when Manchester United came calling then the answer was 'yes'. That's not the case at the moment, so if Liverpool and Manchester United are going head to head for him then I'm sure he'd pick Liverpool over United.

"If Liverpool are to pay the £100 million that Benfica supposedly want for him, then that's against their structure and the way they do business, but that's the way the game is going. If they don't start opening up to that, then others will capitalise on that.

"I do like the way Liverpool do their business, but they need to be a bit flexible with it because the other big guns will be willing to pay it, whether it's against their protocols or not."

With Liverpool set to lose Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich this summer, Nunez could be an adequate replacement as they look to bolster their forward line. Luis Diaz has impressed since joining from Porto in January, while Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah both netted over 15 league goals last term.

This leaves just Takumi Minamino and Roberto Firmino who both struggled with regular game time last term and could be allowed to leave the club. Nunez would operate in the centre of the front three with Salah and either Jota or Diaz likely to be either side of him.