Liverpool reportedly rejected an approach from Chelsea for Darwin Nunez during last summer's transfer window.
The 24-year-old made the move to Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022, and he managed 15 goals and four assists in 42 appearances during his first season at Anfield.
Nunez has been a vital player for Jurgen Klopp's side this term, meanwhile, scoring 13 goals and registering 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.
The Uruguay international has managed nine goals and seven assists in 24 Premier League outings, while he has also struck four goals and registered four assists in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League this term.
The forward has a contract at Anfield until June 2028, but according to The Times, Liverpool were approached by Chelsea during last summer's transfer window to discuss a possible move.
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Chelsea's need for a striker had allegedly led to them identifying Nunez as a target, amid suggestions that Liverpool would be open to a sale for the right price.
However, the report claims that Liverpool were quick to reject Chelsea's interest in the South American, with the club confident that Nunez would prove to be a successful signing in the coming years.
Nunez's exploits with Benfica led to a host of interest in his services, with Manchester United also believed to have been keen on his signature.
The forward managed 48 goals and 16 assists in 85 appearances for the Portuguese club, while his record for Liverpool now stands at 28 goals and 15 assists in 79 appearances.
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Nunez remains a doubt for Liverpool's EFL Cup final with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, though, with the striker facing a battle to be ready alongside Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.
"We come in a crazy schedule again, so we play every three days. It's important for us to use each minute, use each day to really look how the players are. This is for Mo, Dom and Darwin," Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders said on Friday.
"Two training sessions to go, let's see how they are and then we can make a decision in the last minute. And all the others, we know it's longer."
Nunez has been an important player for Liverpool in the EFL Cup this season, scoring once and providing three assists in five appearances in the competition.
Matt Law
