Barcelona 'line up shock summer swoop for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez'

Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Liverpool's Darwin Nunez as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski.

The legendary Polish striker netted a first-half penalty on Saturday as Xavi's side suffered a 4-2 defeat against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi.

Failure to secure three points saw Real Madrid crowned champions of LaLiga for a record-extending 36th time and reports suggest Xavi is already planning for a summer rebuild after falling short in the title race.

Since arriving at the club in a £42.5m deal from Bayern Munich in 2022, Lewandowski has remained one of Barca's highest-earners amidst ongoing financial troubles.

The 35-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal, but Barca look set to attempt to offload him in the summer to ensure they comply with a £175m salary cap imposed by LaLiga earlier this season.

Despite the club's faltering form this season, Lewandowski has remained consistent in front of goal, and any potential replacement would be required to pick up where he left off.

According to a report by The Sun, Barca feel like Nunez is capable of taking on the mantle and are prepared to meet Liverpool's asking price for the Uruguayan forward.

Nunez is one of the best-paid players at Anfield but his wages - reported to be around £140,000-a-week - would still be significantly lower than what Lewandowski is currently earning.

The report also claims the player has expressed an interest in one day wearing the iconic blue and red shirt, but that he is happy with his current situation on Merseyside.

Reports earlier this month suggested Liverpool's recruitment team were not keen on signing the former Benfica star and instead favoured a move for Christopher Nkunku, with Jurgen Klopp eventually convincing them