Liverpool urged to hijack Manchester United pursuit for Nkunku

Jurgen Klopp has been urged to hijack a possible move from Manchester United for Christopher Nkunku should he lose Sadio Mane during the summer transfer window. Mane only has 12 months left to run on his contract at Anfield as speculation over his future continues to mount.

A key player for Klopp and Liverpool over the last few seasons, Mane is understood to want a new challenge after the Reds were beaten in the Champions League showpiece last Saturday night – against Real Madrid – with German outfit Bayern Munich heavy favourites for his £30million signature.

Liverpool signed Luis Diaz from FC Porto during the January window. However, they are thought to be tracking yet another swoop in attacking quarters before allowing Mane to leave. Nkunku has been tipped as a target for Erik ten Hag and United as part of their rebuild.

READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku breaks silence on future amid Manchester United transfer links

Benfica hot-shot Darwin Nunez continues to be linked in the same regard while Nkunku, who started his career at big-spending PSG, emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe last term with 35 goals and 20 assists – in all competitions – from 51 games. He would cost potential suitors over £50million.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former United and Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said: “I was going to say that’s the $64million (£51million) question, but it might actually cost a bit more than that. I was thinking about that and then watching from the Champions League, there’s the boy from Leipzig I think, Nkunku.”

Bosnich added: “He was somebody who really stood out for me. I know Leipzig dropped into the Europa League and were knocked out in the semi-finals by Rangers, but he was exceptional and that’s what I was thinking about when I was thinking about if Mane leaves, what to do and that’s the one that came to mind for me.”

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