Darwin Núñez transfer ‘dream’ emerges as Liverpool youngster ‘sets up key role’ under Arne Slot

Liverpool return to action against Aston Villa on Monday night as they look to end the season and the Jürgen Klopp era on a high. Wolves’ emotional last-day farewell visit is now less than a week away.

The focus is already turning to next season, with Arne Slot set to take over, but there is no official confirmation of his appointment. A Liverpool youngster is reportedly set for a pivotal role in Slot’s side next season, but there could be a high-profile exit after recent discontent. Here’s a rundown of the latest Liverpool news.

Does Darwin Núñez have a dream at Barcelona?

Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is reportedly keen to complete a move to Barcelona this summer. The Uruguayan fueled speculation over his future when he deleted Liverpool-related content from his social media page after being targeted by abuse.

Núñez has scored 18 times this season, but only one of those has been in the last two months. He was among the substitutes for Liverpool’s last two games and was pictured with international team-mate and Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo earlier this week.

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He made the trip to Barcelona after being given some time off, but Mundo Deportivo report that he is keen to make a permanent move to the Nou Camp. It is claimed that Núñez dreams of playing for Barca, although a deal is unlikely to happen unless Robert Lewandowski moves on.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suárez told The Mirror last year that he urged Barcelona to move for Núñez when he was at Almeria before joining Benfica. The Mail claim that Liverpool have no plans to let him go this summer.

Stefan Bajčetić is “preparing a key role” under Arne Slot

Arne Slot, the Liverpool coach, is going to put his trust in young Stefan Bajčetić next season, reports Football Insider. The midfielder has had a nightmare season with injuries, making just three appearances.

But he came off the bench in last weekend’s win over Tottenham and will be hoping to feature in Liverpool’s next two games. Bajčetić enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season and looked set for a key role this season.

That didn’t happen, but Liverpool chiefs are claimed to see Bajčetić as a potential world star and believe he can develop considerably under Slot. If that happens, the Reds would not sign another holding midfielder. Wataru Endō played this position for much of the season, with Bajčetić seen as an excellent alternative.