Liverpool are on the brink of signing Darwin Nunez, with the Benfica striker reportedly now missing Uruguay international duty to complete the move.

The Lowdown: Liverpool's next hero?

The Reds are seemingly closing in on the signing of the 22-year-old, with various reports in recent days claiming they have won the race to sign him.

Nunez has emerged as one of Europe's most deadly young attackers, scoring 32 goals for Benfica last season, in all competitions.

It now looks as though the Uruguayan is getting closer to becoming a Liverpool player all the time, following a fresh update from a journalist in his homeland on Friday.

The Latest: Nunez jets off

Diego Jokas, a local Uruguayan reporter and radio host, took to Twitter to reveal that Nunez would miss Uruguay's clash with Panama in order to fly to Liverpool and finalise the deal:

"Darwin Nunez would not be in Uruguay tomorrow and the intention is that he will travel in the next few hours to be able to sign with LFC for 80 million Euros plus 20 in bonuses."

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The Verdict: What a signing

Nunez has the potential to be a stunning signing by Liverpool, given his burgeoning reputation and the fact that he has so many years ahead of him.

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The young striker outlined his prowess last season by scoring both home and away against the Reds in the Champions League, producing a particularly impressive showing at Anfield, leading Virgil van Dijk to name him in his toughest opponents alongside Lionel Messi.

The hope is that Nunez is the next great Liverpool attacker, following in the footsteps of other South American greats such as Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz, and his goal record in Portugal certainly suggests he has the capabilities.

The size of the fee could be huge but it may end up looking like a bargain if he fulfils his potential, as was the case with van Dijk when he cost £75million back in January 2018.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a shock move. Find out who it is here.