Darwin Nunez: Tensions will be rising at Liverpool after update on £60m+ talks - pundit
Alan Hutton has suggested Liverpool are playing hardball over selling Sadio Mane as they want the funds to sign a replacement.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year-old will be "desperate" to leave and "frustrated" by the situation.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Thursday (9 June) that Benfica star Darwin Nunez is pushing to complete a move to Anfield as soon as possible, with the clubs in talks over a £60million-plus deal.
This site revealed on Tuesday (7 June) that the Reds have centred all their attention on the 22-year-old as a prospective replacement for Mane.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports report (8 June) that Liverpool have rejected a second bid worth £30million from Bayern Munich for the Senegal striker.
Hutton suggested the Reds' pursuit of Nunez may be driving their stance on letting Mane leave.
Hutton told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "From Liverpool's point of view, they know they need to replace this guy. They've put a lot of money, energy and time into him, and they want his value, whatever they see that as. I understand from Liverpool's point of view as well."
"I think he'd (Mane) be desperate to know exactly what they're looking for. As long as you've got a ballpark figure, it's something to work from.
"But if they're just straight out not giving them any clue and just rejecting everything, of course it'd be frustrating.
"He's obviously come out and let everybody know what he wants for his future. If a team like Bayern Munich, another top, world-class team, are putting in bids even you, going into your last year, think are acceptable...
"He's 30-years-old with one year left. At £25-30million, even though he's a fantastic player, you'd think that should be able to do it."