Al Hilal have identified Darwin Nunez as their priority target to strengthen in attack and are now stepping up efforts aimed at landing the Liverpool striker.

Milan have also shown an interest in signing Nunez, though it is unlikely the Serie A club would be able to match the financial package that Al Hilal could put together.

Nunez was wanted by another Saudi Arabian club — Al Nassr — during the January transfer window before Al Hilal were told the conditions of a deal after contacting Liverpool in June.

They heavily pursued Victor Osimhen, with Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko also among the options considered.

But given Osimhen has joined Galatasaray, while Isak and Sesko look unattainable, Nunez is emerging as Al Hilal’s main focus and internally they have accelerated plans to push for the Uruguay international’s signing.

Although Liverpool are yet to receive a bid, the interest has been registered and the wheels are in motion at Al Hilal’s end.

Nunez, 26, is viewed as a strong fit for head coach Simone Inzaghi’s system and the 25-year-old is thought to be receptive to the possibility, should it develop.

Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 in a deal worth up to €100million (£85m) after add-ons.

He made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, but started just eight times in the Premier League.

Liverpool have strengthened in forward areas this summer with the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Athletic reported on August 1 that Newcastle had rejected a formal £110million offer from Liverpool for Isak. The Athletic reported the following day that the Sweden international was set to return to the UK and resume training with Newcastle following a spell working individually at Real Sociedad.