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Darwin Nunez of Liverpool(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Darwin Nunez has been told he should leave Liverpool for either Italy or Spain - but his transfer fee could prove prohibitive.

Speculation has continued to increase over the future of Nunez, who scored in the Reds' 3-1 win at Championship side Preston North End in their opening pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Nunez fell down the pecking order for Liverpool last season under new boss Arne Slot and started only one Premier League game after Boxing Day as the Reds romped to the championship.

Serie A champions Napoli and Italian rivals AC Milan are long-time suitors of the Uruguay international while Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are once again considering a move for the player, with new boss Simone Inzaghi an admirer.

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And former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes the time has come for Nunez - who is valued in excess of £50million by the Reds - to seek pastures new.

“The problem with Darwin Nunez is that he misses too many chances," he said.

"I think it’s got to the point where Arne Slot has lost confidence in him.

“I think the best thing for Nunez would be to move on from Liverpool, but it won’t be easy because he’ll be expensive.

“I think Serie A or La Liga would be fantastic leagues for him, because the defending isn’t the best in Italy and Spain – especially in Spain!

If you’re a striker, then it’s much easier to score goals in those countries.

"You look at Romelu Lukaku at Napoli – he was at rock bottom at Chelsea, but (Antonio) Conte brought him back to Serie A, and he looks back to his best.

“Maybe if Darwin Nunez moved to Italy or Spain, it would be easier for him to get back to his best.”

Luis Diaz has similarly been at the centre of transfer rumours despite Liverpool being insistent the player is not for sale.

Barcelona continue to be linked, while Bayern Munich - from whom Babbel joined the Reds - are also said to be interested.

And the ex-Germany international believes Diaz is angling for a move and his former club should make the most of such an opening.

“Luis Diaz is a fantastic player and if Bayern Munich have the opportunity to sign him, then they must try,” Babbel said to Adventure Gamers.

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“He’s a player who makes a difference on the pitch and it doesn’t seem like he’s 100% happy at Liverpool.

Usually after just winning the Premier League, you’d like to stay at a club for at least another couple of seasons, but it looks like he wants to leave.

“If Bayern have the chance to strike a deal for him then they should definitely do so, especially after losing Leroy Sane.
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