Benfica striker Darwin Nunez has reportedly informed his friends and family that he will be signing for Liverpool this summer.

The Uruguay international has been the subject of interest from numerous clubs across Europe after amassing a staggering 34 goals in 41 matches across all tournaments last term.

Manchester United and Liverpool were considered the two frontrunners to sign Nunez in the upcoming window, and the Reds have seemingly gained the upper hand in negotiations.

Portuguese media reported earlier this week that an £86m deal to bring Nunez to Anfield had been agreed, although the two clubs are still said to be working on the structure of the transfer.

The 22-year-old is already believed to have agreed personal terms with the Merseyside giants, who are primed to welcome the former Almeria striker to the club on a five-year deal.

Now, the Liverpool Echo reports that Nunez has already informed those close to him that he will be a Liverpool player before the end of the window.

Nunez is due to take part in Uruguay's friendly battle with Panama later on Saturday night, but there have been claims that he will not be involved as he finalises his Anfield switch.

The South American is allegedly keen to wrap up his move to Liverpool by the end of the week, which would see him smash multiple transfer records.

Nunez would become Liverpool's most expensive player should an £86m agreement go through, while he would also surpass Luis Suarez as the most expensive Uruguayan player of all time.

With Man United supposedly having no interest in engaging in a bidding war for Nunez, the Red Devils have moved onto other targets to bolster their frontline.

Nunez ended the 2021-22 season with 26 strikes in 28 Primeira Liga outings - comfortably finishing six clear of Mehdi Taremi at the top of the goalscoring charts.

The ex-Penarol youngster has amassed a total of 47 goals and 16 assists in 84 outings for Benfica, including a pair of strikes against Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this season.

Liverpool have already waved goodbye to Divock Origi on a free transfer this summer, with the Belgian attacker now expected to seal his move to AC Milan as a free agent.

Nunez's arrival at Anfield could also open the door for Sadio Mane to leave the club, although Bayern Munich's early approaches for the Senegal international have not been kindly received.

Bayern are said to have had two bids for Mane turned down by Liverpool, but the German giants are willing to do away with as many as eight players to meet Liverpool's £42.5m asking price. body check tags ::