Liverpool go to war with Newcastle for 'low-cost' No9 | OneFootball

Liverpool have been tipped to overhaul their forward line in the summer transfer window.

The Reds have lost Hugo Ekitike to a long-term injury with the £69m Frenchman not expected back until 2027. That leaves the outgoing Premier League champions depending on Alexander Isak - whose fitness record has been patchy since signing.

Isak - who signed for £125m from Newcastle last summer - has only scored four goals throughout an injury-afflicted first year.

The Swede suffered a broken leg - among various other knocks - and has yet to truly prove himself as Liverpool’s No9 on a consistent basis.

Relying on the 26-year-old alone would be a risk but the majority of Richard Hughes’ transfer budget is likely to be spent elsewhere this summer.

A one-v-one specialist out wide is required and a new face at right-back is also needed. Those budget limitations mean a “low-cost” option could prove beneficial for the Red up front.

Darwin Nunez the ideal 'low-cost' No9

And in the shape of Darwin Nunez the ideal candidate could be looming into view.

The Uruguayan, 26, wants a return to Anfield according to a report in Mundo Deportivo. He will be released from his Al-Hilal contract - which he signed last summer having agreed a move worth £46m.

But having been de-listed from Al-Hilal’s domestic squad in Saudi Pro League competition Nunez is determined to return to Europe this summer.

Liverpool are right in the hunt for his signature according to the report- but will have to slug it out with Newcastle and Chelsea to land a deal for their former cult hero.

There is the presence of Barcelona to pay attention to as well - considering the Catalans are losing their No9 Robert Lewandowski.

Darwin wants LFC return

“The Uruguayan, who already has experience playing in Spanish football, albeit only in the Second Division with Almería, is attracting attention in the Premier League,” the report reads.

“Newcastle are scouring the market for a striker for next season. German forward Nick Woltemade, who cost €75 million, has scored just 11 goals, failing to meet expectations.

“Darwin Núñez would like to return to Liverpool. The Uruguayan scored 25 goals in his three seasons in the English league. Chelsea are also interested. The arrival of Xabi Alonso could facilitate his return to the Premier League.”

Nunez could well prove to be the ideal signing this summer. Fans were always a fan of his workrate - even if in later seasons he didn’t score with enough regularity.

The former Benfica striker has been on a contract worth a reported £400k a week in Saudi Arabia and is unlikely to earn anything like that kind of money back in the Premier League.

And Liverpool do have a clear advantage - considering the South American sharp shooter is begging for a chance to come back.