Manchester United are preparing to compete with Liverpool to sign the Benfica striker Darwin Nunezsources told ESPN.

United are looking for a young striker this summer and 22-year-old Nunez ranks high on their list of players.

Liverpool have also registered their interest and sources have told ESPN that United will not be put off even if it means a head-to-head meeting with the Anfield side.

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According to sources, Nunez is keen to play the Champions League regularly, which would put Liverpool ahead in the race, but United believe there is a chance of being convinced of a move to Old Trafford.

Sources told ESPN that one of the issues for both United and Liverpool is Benfica’s assessment.

The Portuguese side initially transferred more than £110m to the Uruguay international although there was a feeling that any bid over £80m would be taken seriously given that Nunez, who has a contract until 2025, is keen on the move.

Sources told ESPN that a number of Spanish clubs are also monitoring the situation.

According to sources, Liverpool have not yet made a bid for Nunez, who scored 34 goals in 41 games last season, and would be reluctant to enter a bidding war with United, even if Sadio Mane Guaranteed move to Bayern Munich.

Sources told ESPN that United prioritized strengthening their attack and midfield line during the summer window, before bringing in reinforcements in defence.

They also look at Christopher Nkunko In R. B. Leipzig (ed.).

United have what is described as a ‘big’ budget to work with him this summer but the club have distanced themselves from Ralf Rangnick’s suggestion while he was interim coach that they could sign 10 players before the new season.

Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in new faces but has also been told he will have to make more of the players already on the squad.

The Dutchman is on vacation but will return to work before the first-team members return to pre-season training on June 27.