Liverpool reportedly intend to make an approach for Colombian starlet Neyser Villarreal as they prepare for the likely exit of Darwin Nunez this summer.
The Reds agreed to make Nunez possibly their record signing of all time in 2022, forking out an initial £64m to Benfica potentially rising to a staggering £85m through performance-related add-ons.
However, the Uruguay international has blown hot and cold during his time at Anfield and has failed to play his way into Arne Slot's good books, being openly criticised by his manager earlier this week.
Nunez added to his collection of horror misses in the Reds' 2-2 Premier League draw with Aston Villa, after which Slot slammed the South American for his lack of effort, and he was unsurprisingly omitted from the starting lineup for Sunday's clash with Manchester City.
Liverpool opted against selling Nunez to interested Saudi parties in January given the lack of time to find a replacement, but it has now been claimed that an exit in the summer window is inevitable.
Liverpool 'exploring' Villarreal's contract situation
© Imago
As well as Nunez, the Premier League leaders are also believed to be giving consideration to selling Diogo Jota, who has struggled with injuries throughout his spell on Merseyside.
According to the Anfield Watch, Liverpool could soften the blow of both exits with the signing of 19-year-old Villarreal, whom they have 'set their sights on' for the summer window.
The Colombian currently represents Millonarios in his homeland, but his contract only runs until the end of the calendar year, giving rise to the possibility of a cut-price sale this summer.
Villarreal can begin discussing a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in March, and the report claims that Liverpool will soon 'make a move' for the teenager when he is able to open talks with foreign teams.
The Reds apparently feel that Villarreal is a striker who ticks several boxes on their attacking checklist, and they are also keen to expand their South American transfer network, making the possible signing of Villarreal a no-brainer for Slot.
Who is Liverpool-linked striker Villarreal?
© Imago
A 6ft 1in centre-forward who is also comfortable on either flank, Villarreal is yet to truly make an impression at club level, only registering one assist in 11 matches for Millonarios in all tournaments.
However, Villarreal has been nothing short of sensational for Colombia's Under-20s, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in just 14 international appearances at that age-group level.
The 19-year-old finished as top scorer at the recent Under-20 South American Championship, netting eight goals of his own and setting up four more, including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Paraguay.
Liverpool apparently sent scouts to keep tabs on Villarreal and other talented prospects at the tournament, where they "fell enamoured" by the Colombian, who is likely to be the subject of an approach from the Premier League leaders in the near future.
Ben Knapton
