Julian Ward 'snubbed rival' before FSG return as Liverpool 'sets asking price' for Darwin Núñez

Liverpool has just two matches remaining of the Jürgen Klopp era, starting with Monday night's trip to Aston Villa. The Reds have already secured a return to the Champions League but will want to finish on a high, with a final day farewell against Wolves to come next weekend.

There have been major moves made off the pitch as Liverpool gears up for Arne Slot's arrival, and the Dutchman issued an update on his future on Friday. He may be after a new No.9 in the summer though, amid continued speculation over the future of Darwin Núñez. Here's your round-up of the latest Liverpool news.

Julian Ward snubbed Man Utd chief?

Liverpool's FSG owners are set to confirm the surprise return of Julian Ward. The Athletic reports that Ward will take up the role of technical director and will officially start work on June 1, just a year after stepping down as Liverpool's sporting director.

Ward had only been in the role for 12 months after replacing Michael Edwards. He wanted a break from football but has been lured back by Edwards, who recently reunited with FSG as CEO of Football.

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He has not been short of offers since leaving Liverpool though, with many clubs across Europe making approaches over the past 12 months. And The Mirror claims one of those came from new Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ward is said to have been considering an offer to become technical director within the INEOS Football Group, which was founded by Ratcliffe. But he snubbed the approach and has now decided to return to Liverpool, where he will reunite with Edwards, and work with new sporting director Richard Hughes.

Liverpool sets Darwin Núñez asking price?

Darwin Núñez's agent reportedly wants the striker to leave Liverpool this summer. The Uruguayan has scored 18 goals this season but his form has dipped in recent weeks and he has found himself on the bench.

Núñez has also been the subject of abuse from some supporters and deleted all Liverpool-related content from his social media pages this week. That fueled speculation over his future, as did a trip to Barcelona, where he posed alongside defender and international colleague Ronald Araujo.

Jürgen Klopp dismissed any suggestion that Núñez was unhappy when he faced the media on Friday but SPORT claims agent Jorge Mendes is pushing for a move. It is stated that Liverpool will demand at least $92m (£73m/€85m) for the 24-year-old.

That would see Liverpool take a loss on the player it signed from Benfica two years ago, and it is unclear if Barca would be able to afford such a fee anyway, given its well-known financial issues.