Liverpool star Darwin Núñez was recently pictured in Barcelona amid growing speculation about his future at Anfield. The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the La Liga giants in recent weeks.

Núñez, 24, fuelled these rumors following his latest outing for the Reds last weekend. The forward replaced Colombian winger Luis Díaz in the 75th minute and did not contribute to the 4-2 scoreline to Liverpool on the afternoon - making it eight games without a goal.

After referee Paul Tierney blew the whistle for full-time, Núñez went straight down the tunnel. He later took to his personal Instagram account to delete all but one Liverpool-related image from his profile, adding fuel to the fire that Barcelona could make a move for him this summer, as the Catalan club look to replace Robert Lewandowski ahead of next season.

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Núñez was then pictured with his international teammate Ronald Araújo in midweek, seemingly in Barcelona, adding fuel to the fire in terms of the transfer links to the club. However, there is a justifiable reason the Liverpool forward jetted out to the Spanish city - and it isn't transfer-related.

Following the win against Spurs on Sunday, Liverpool had eight days until the team was in action against Unai Emery's Champions League-chasing side. This means that several first-team stars have taken the opportunity to jet off on holiday, including Núñez.

Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konaté and Kostas Tsimikas have also been pictured away at various locations - while Cody Gakpo has taken the opportunity to soak up some time with his newborn son, Samuel. The Netherlands international missed the 2-0 loss to Everton due to the birth of his child.

The squad is expected to be back in training later this week ahead of the Villa clash. Emery's side will be in action on Thursday evening against Greek side Olympiacos, as the Villans look to overturn a 4-2 deficit. For Núñez, the break was clearly a chance to get away and catch up with a teammate and close friend away from the pressure he's currently under at Anfield.

Liverpool.com says: After a long season, the players deserve a break before the penultimate game of Jürgen Klopp's reign at the club. Hopefully, they return refreshed from their travels and can end the season on a high against both Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.