Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to rebuff any interest in Darwin Nunez as the Uruguay striker is deemed crucial to the club’s future plans.

Nunez is currently enduring a difficult spell at Anfield.

The striker has come under scrutiny following a six-game goal drought, coinciding with the Reds’ dwindling hopes in the Premier League title race.

Despite his overall improvement this season with 18 goals and 13 assists in 52 matches, compared to 15 goals and four assists in 42 games last season, Nunez has faced criticism from fans due to recent struggles in front of goal.

His position in the starting lineup has become increasingly uncertain as a result, having started only one of Liverpool’s last three matches.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old recently removed any photos of himself in action for the club from his Instagram profile, sparking speculation about his future.

The 24-year-old, who was signed from Benfica for £64 million in 2022 has reportedly been linked with a move to Barcelona should Robert Lewandowski depart the club at the end of the season.

Lewandowski has reportedly made it clear that he has no intention of departing, but amid reports of an impending rise in his wages, the La Liga side is purportedly weighing up the option of offloading him to alleviate their financial strain.

Nunez reportedly came close to joining Barcelona in 2020 before eventually signing for Benfica.

According to the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, Liverpool have no intentions of parting ways with Darwin Nunez.

Additionally, the South American is anticipating a new beginning once Jurgen Klopp departs at the end of the season.

“The club’s position is believed to be a staunch stance: Nunez is going nowhere,” Steele wrote.

“Liverpool see Nunez as key to their plans for the future and sources in Merseyside point to how everyone will start afresh when Jurgen Klopp leaves in a fortnight.

“Given his form, Liverpool would be unlikely to recoup the mega fee they paid for him?

“And the club value him extremely highly regardless, noting his age – still just 24 – and the lack of elite-level forwards on the European transfer market.”

Read more: Sky Germany report the latest update on Willian Pacho and Liverpool

Jarell Quansah leads the way in U21 impressive defensive stat across Europe’s big leagues

Liverpool FC 2024 valuation in comparison to other European giants

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone