The countdown is on ahead of the new Premier League season as Liverpool play their final friendly of the summer.

It has been a strange and at times devastating period for the Reds, with the fact that Diogo Jota is no longer with us still difficult to bear.

But Liverpool have carried themselves with grace and class during such an unprecedented time, treating matters delicately while still ensuring that they are in the best shape possible for the new campaign.

This impeccable behaviour also extends to the Liverpool squad, who have been a credit to themselves, and to Jota.

Al Hilal step up pursuit of Liverpool star Darwin Nunez in £61m move	Sky Sports journalist predicts whether Alexander Isak will report back to Newcastle for training on Monday	Report: 'Fantastic' Liverpool youngster set for exit despite impressing coaches in pre-season

Darwin Nunez has stood out in this respect.

The Uruguayan honoured Jota by performing his trademark celebrations after scoring against Preston in July, and despite constant transfer speculation surrounding him, Nunez has got on with his job.

Even as talks over a potential move to Al Hilal have intensified, the 26-year-old has shown excellent professionalism.

The Newcastle man has put himself in the spotlight by staying away from his team’s pre-season tour and training alone at Real Sociedad.

Given it has been clear for some time that Nunez’s time with Liverpool is over, the Uruguay international could perhaps have been forgiven for taking a similar stance.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

But as journalist Ben Jacobs has pointed out, Nunez is ‘training as normal’ ahead of Monday’s fixture with Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.

“Al-Hilal are pursuing Darwin Nunez, as revealed last month,” Jacobs posted on X.

“Hilal waited to formally approach Nunez until after the Club World Cup in a move driven by Simone Inzaghi.

Al-Ahli never in the race, despite reports.”

READ MORE: Liverpool misfit Darwin Nunez told he could be a big success under Eddie Howe at Newcastle

“Hilal focused on trying to agree terms with Nunez before bidding to Liverpool,” adds the reporter.

Perhaps safe in the knowledge that he is leaving, he has been able to enjoy his last weeks with Liverpool.

As with Luis Diaz against AC Milan last month, it will likely become clear how close Nunez’s move to Al Hilal is if he is involved or not against Athletic on Monday.

It appears that the Saudi club are not quite ready to make an offer just yet, in which case we may see Nunez play for Liverpool.

But if the No.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.