Darwin Nunez is now two-and-a-half seasons into his Liverpool career, and is yet to show his quality on a truly consistent basis. But while Arne Slot may be pondering the Uruguayan's long-term role in the side, it seems a bid for the striker is not imminent.

It had been reported in Italy that Milan was preparing to test Liverpool's resolve with an offer in the region of $52m (£42m) — around half of what the Reds originally paid, but still a respectable figure in the grand scheme of things. This would have come in the form of an obligation to buy after a six-month loan.

However, the Daily Mail insists the Serie A side is yet to make any contact over a deal for Nunez. Meanwhile, Liverpool would be unlikely to sanction a mid-season deal anyway unless it could line up a suitable replacement, with Slot's side still competing in the Premier League, Champions League and both domestic cups.

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There is no shortage of elite forwards at Liverpool already, with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo both picking up some more slack this season alongside an imperious Mohamed Salah. When fit, Diogo Jota has also been impressive.

Even so, it does not come as a particular surprise that Liverpool would be reluctant to do business in January. Though he has been unable to make the most of the opportunity in terms of output, Nunez has been relied upon as the starting center-forward for much of the last three months, amid an all-too-common setback for Jota.

Pushing for the Premier League title, it would be odd for Liverpool to unnecessarily leave itself short-handed, with Nunez still capable of making a difference on his day. Clearly, those days have been too infrequent since he joined for a potential record transfer fee, but any reckoning can likely wait until the end of the campaign.

And while the report stresses there has been no contact so far, it does not altogether deny that Milan holds an interest in Nunez. Should that persist into the summer, Liverpool could revisit the issue then — potentially at a slightly lower premium, but hopefully with a 20th league title added to the cabinet.

Whether the 25-year-old still has a decisive contribution to make toward that quest remains to be seen. But while patience is surely starting to wear thin, it currently looks as though Nunez will at least get the full first season under Slot to prove he has a long-term role to play.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool may actually be relieved that Milan is yet to come forward with an offer for Nunez. Slot could do without the disruption as he constructs what could be a historic season.

Having said that, suitors will not be queueing up to pay Liverpool the sort of figures that have been quoted for Nunez. So if the rumor does solidify into a bid between now and the end of the month, there is undeniably a decision to make.

But while Nunez's future ultimately seems likely to lie away from Anfield, I'd resist any January temptation to cash in. There's a title to be won, and that requires depth — and I wouldn't bet against him having at least one more big moment in him.