Julian Ward ‘snobbed rival’ ahead of FSG return as Liverpool ‘set asking price’ for Darwin Núñez

Liverpool have just two games left in the Jürgen Klopp era, starting with Monday night’s trip to Aston Villa. The Reds have already secured a return to the Champions League but will be looking to finish on a higher note with a final day bye against Wolves to come next weekend.

Major moves have been made off the pitch as Liverpool prepare for the arrival of Arne Slot, with the Dutchman issuing an update on his future on Friday. They could be looking for a new No.9 in the summer amid continued speculation over the future of Darwin Núñez. Here’s a rundown of the latest Liverpool news.

Julian Ward snubbed Man Utd boss?

Liverpool owners FSG are set to confirm the surprise return of Julian Ward. The Athletic reports that Ward will take up the role of technical director and will officially start work on June 1, just a year after stepping down as Liverpool’s sporting director.

Ward was in the role for just 12 months after replacing Michael Edwards. He wanted a break from football but was lured back by Edwards, who recently rejoined FSG as CEO of Football.

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However, he has not been short of offers since leaving Liverpool, with many clubs across Europe making approaches over the past 12 months. And The Mirror claims one of those comes from Manchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ward is said to have considered an offer to become technical director at the INEOS Football Group, which was founded by Ratcliffe. But he rejected the approach and has now decided to return to Liverpool, where he will be reunited with Edwards and work with new sporting director Richard Hughes.

Liverpool set Darwin Núñez asking price?

Darwin Núñez’s agent wants the forward to leave Liverpool this summer. The Uruguayan has scored 18 goals this season but his form has dipped in recent weeks and he has found himself on the bench.

Núñez has also been the subject of abuse from supporters and deleted all Liverpool-related content from his social media pages this week. That fueled speculation about his future, as did a trip to Barcelona, ​​where he posed alongside defender and fellow international Ronald Araujo.

Jürgen Klopp dismissed any suggestion that Núñez was unhappy when he faced the press on Friday, but SPORT claim that agent Jorge Mendes is pushing for a move. Liverpool are said to be demanding at least $92m (£73m/€85m) for the 24-year-old.

That would see Liverpool lose the player they signed from Benfica two years ago, and it is unclear whether Barca could afford such a fee anyway given their well-known financial problems.