Liverpool’s blockbuster swoop for Darwin Nunez could lead Manchester United to plot a move for Bayern Munich goal machine Robert Lewandowski. That is according to the Daily Star, who claim the Red Devils will try to tempt the wantaway striker away from his ideal destination of Barcelona. Lewandowski is one of a host of Europe’s elite strikers expected to be on the move this summer, with the prolific Poland international outlining his intention to leave Bayern. The 33-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and publicly declared his career at the Allianz Arena is over.

United are expected to undergo a major rebuild this summer following a miserable end to last season under interim boss Ralf Rang nick. Former Ajax boss ten Hag has reportedly been handed a transfer budget in excess of £100 million, and in-demand Benefice star Nunez was said to be at the top of the shortlist.

However, reports over the weekend indicate Liverpool are closing in on a club-record deal for the Uruguay international. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners seem to have moved swiftly to secure a replacement for Sadio Mane, who has been heavily tipped to make the move to Bayern.

Nunez enjoyed a standout campaign with Benefice, scoring 34 goals in all competitions including two strikes against Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final clash. The deal undoubtedly represents a risk for Jurgen Klopp, but the Reds appear confident the 22-year-old can fulfill a long-term role in attack.

This likely setback looks to have made United revert to type in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Having identified a forward who could potentially lead the line for the next decade, the Red Devils look to once again be targeting a veteran forward to act as a stopgap.