Liverpool are desperate for a new number nine but that is significantly dependent on the future of Darwin Nunez.

It comes as no surprise that the Reds want a new central figure for their attack next season, but it is more important than ever that they get it right.

They have lacked an out-and-out goalscorer for quite a few years now and their gamble on Darwin Nunez simply hasn’t paid off.

Jurgen Klopp chose to sign Nunez over Alexander Isak three seasons ago, a move that has come at a huge cost, one that could get even bigger if they spend over £100m to sign the Swede this summer.

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However, if they stand any chance of signing Isak, or any striker for that matter, then they need to sell the Uruguayan, with Napoli looking like his next destination.

But now, an ex-Everton player may have put an end to his plans and move to Naples altogether, with the 26-year-old potentially needing to look elsewhere.

Photo by Andrea Martini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Serie A champions have been linked with a plethora of strikers but Nunez was the top target, but now it looks as though they are turning their attention to former Everton forwards Moise Keane.

Napoli had set a 48 hour deadline to decide whether to sign Nunez, but have appeared to act early, with Tuttosport reporting that Keane is now a target.

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The 25-year-old’s £44m release clause became active on 1st July, with a number of clubs very keen for his signature, suggesting Napoli need to act quickly.

Despite an underwhelming time at Everton, where he even got substituted once after just 18 minutes on the pitch, Keane has had a standout campaign for Fiorentina after scoring 19 goals in the league alone, a lot more than the Uruguayan managed at Liverpool.

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However, one factor that put Napoli off from signing Nunez was the cost involved, with the Reds wanting around £51.2m for him, making him only slightly more than they would have to pay for the Italian.

This suggests that a deal is not completely off the table and Antonio Conte’s side could spend a little extra for the Liverpool man, but this saga could reach its climax by the end of the week.

As mentioned, the Reds need to make room before they try and fit more in, but specifically in the striker department.

The longer Liverpool persist with their stubbornness and insistence on getting a high fee for Nunez, the less time they will have to make moves for other targets.

Almost all the top clubs are looking for a new centre forward this summer and the options are severely limited, with the majority costing a premium too.

If the Reds aren’t careful, their top options could be snapped up before they even have time to initiate talks, meaning they should cut their losses with the Uruguayan if they really do not want him around next season.
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