Liverpool remain seven points clear at the Premier League summit after their thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday night but the knives were out again for Darwin Nunez after another poor showing from the striker, leading to yet more rumours of Arne Slot moving for a replacement.

The £85million signing has managed just two goals in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season, which makes Liverpool‘s success so far under Slot even more remarkable when you consider what they could have done with a more reliable No.9 to lead the line.

It’s well known that the Reds have already started looking at alternative options to Nunez in the market, with the likes of Inter Milan frontman Marcus Thuram and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush heavily linked with a switch to Anfield.

But, according to journalist Francois Plateau, the Merseyside outfit are also exploring a January move for Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

While Nunez remains a constant threat in the Liverpool attack and his effort cannot be questioned, his actual return in terms of goals and returns has been poor. The 25-year-old has notched three times, with two assists in 18 games in all competitions, with the incredible form of Mohamed Salah along with key contributions from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo covering up for Nunez’s struggles in front of goal.

And it now appears that a move for big-game Pedro could happen in the new year, with the Seagulls frontman having scored in outings against Manchester United, Arsenal and Man City this season.

The Brazil international, who has had his injury issues this term, has scored four goals in eight appearances for the Seagulls after notching 20 times during the 2023/24 campaign following his switch from Watford.

While Plateau fails to mention what sort of transfer fee Brighton could demand for the player, whose style of play has been likened to former Liverpool favourite Roberto Firmino, he is currently valued at €50million (£41m/$53m) on Transfermarkt.