The rivalry extends to the transfer market - Liverpool join Man United in race for Darwin Nunez

Manchester United are starting a new life after that 'limbo' under Ralf Rangnick. New managerial staff already started to clean up the unnecessary pieces of the roster and Erik ten Hag will soon make his transfer wishes known to the club's executives.

It has been circulating for a while now that the Red Devils are after one of the biggest talents in world football - Benfica striker Darwin Nunez - but news have emerged that United's fierce enemy after the Uruguayan also. Beware all - Liverpool showed interest.

Nunez would be a marquee signing for ten Hag's revolution at United, but the Dutchman will be uneasy at Liverpool's presence in the race to sign him.

However, even though the Reds are monitoring the situation - they will not pay over the odds for the lethal striker, according to the Times.

Tue 21:45: (2.35) Germany (3.30) England (3.35)

Nunez is understood to be valued at around 80 million euros and leaning toward teams playing Champions League football - which imposes an issue for the Manchester side.

United's huge number of departing players, including Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani, mean there are expected to be numerous incomings at Old Trafford.

But Cristiano Ronaldo recently said he will be staying at Old Trafford, a clear factor for Nunez to consider if he wants regular game time through the middle.

Having signed Luis Diaz from Porto in January for little less than 60 million euros, Liverpool understand there is value to be found in Portugal.

Liverpool clearly have the advantage over United in terms of playing in the Champions League next season and their project has more of an immediate trophy-winning capacity.

Klopp was full of praise for the South American when Benfica took on Liverpool in the Champions League last season and the Reds need to reinforce their forward line with Sadio Mane heading for the exit door.

'Extremely good looking boy, huh?' the German made a joke back in April. 'And a decent player as well. Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate.

'He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good. I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it's a big career ahead of him.'

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Needless to say that Newcastle United also hold an interest in Nunez but the Magpies face an uphill struggle to convince him that St James' Park should be his next destination. The Toons also closing in on a move for 40 million euros Hugo Ekitike, which would appear to make another big-money striker less likely.

The 22-year-old Nunez has been one of Europe's breakout stars this season, scoring an astonishing 34 goals in 40 appearances. He joined Benfica for 23.5 million euros from Almeria. Evidently still learning his craft, the hot prospect, who is a physical presence up front, could be one of the buys of the window.