Darwin Nunez’s mooted move to Liverpool has been scuppered at the last minute by Tom Grennan’s stunning Soccer Aid strike, Paddy Power News understands.
Liverpool’s transfer department has been tracking the 27-year-old singer-songwriter for some time and his laser-like finish in the annual celeb kickabout has forced the Anfield club to make their move now.
Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (R) has an unsuccessful shot as Red Star Belgrade’s Yugoslavian-born Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan prepares to make a save during the UEFA Champions League group C football match between Liverpool and Red Star Belgrade at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 24, 2018. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
“We were hoping to hold out til next summer when Mo Salah bogs off on a free,” a club source said.
“But that goal is sure to have Reading-Leeds, Glasto and maybe even Pukkelpop on the continent interested.”
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The Reds had already agreed terms with Benfica forward Nunez but that move could be put on hold as they negotiate Grennan’s release from his Soccer Aid deal.
“Obviously he’s keen to get more game time, what with the celebs playing one game a year.” our source said, though a possible swap deal for Divock Origi has been ruled out with the Belgian’s contract having expired.
Several scouts in attendance were said to be impressed by the troubadour, though England manager Harry Redknapp will drive a hard bargain in any deal.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 20: Tom Grennan performs during HITS Radio’s HITS Live 2021 at Resorts World Arena on November 20, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for BAUER)
“Jurgen Klopp’s desperately trying to find Niko Kranjcar’s phone number,” we were told. “Adding him to a transfer could seal the deal.”
The Uruguayan striker must now wait on a potential move – with Man United also said to be keen on securing his services.
“His agent drove into a tunnel during a call with Erik ten Hag last week and hasn’t been heard from since,” our Old Trafford transfer source told us.
“It’s a real mystery what’s going on, but we’re in no rush to sign anyone anyway – the fax machine’s still on the blink, so there’ll be nothing happening til that’s sorted.”
And the highly-touted forward is said to be gutted that the Anfield move is now in doubt.
“Darwin’s been dreaming of playing for Liverpool since he was a kid. Luis Suarez was his hero and he’d love to follow in his footsteps all over the calves of Premier League centre-halves,” we were told.
“And the Anfield dentist had already checked his jaws can wrap around the average Premier League defender’s bicep, so he was all ready to sign.”
For now, though Nunez must wait to see if the Grennan deal is signed and, with Liverpool also keeping tabs on his teammate Chunkz, a prolonged transfer saga cannot be ruled out.
*Paddy Power News breaking coverage is 100% fake news – honest*
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