Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping an eye on SL Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.
A recent report from Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, has offered an update on the future of Darwin Nunez. The SL Benfica forward has accrued interest from major clubs across Europe, including the Premier League giants like Newcastle United and the two Manchester outfits.
A Manchester United scout was among the attendants during Benfica’s Friday night game against defending champions Sporting CP. Although the striker was not able to make much of a difference, it appears the Red Devils are among the clubs likely to pounce on the player when the opportunity arises.
Nunez has been one of Benfica’s top performers since joining the club last summer, for a fee of €24 million. During his debut season in Portugal, he netted six goals while mustering up ten assists. He was useful in Europa League as well, scoring five goals, even though the club was knocked out by Arsenal in the early rounds.
After struggling with his productivity in his first season in the league, the young Uruguayan appears to have stepped up his game in the new season. In just 11 games so far, as he has already scored eight times, while his three goals in the Champions League have helped Benfica remain in contention for a potential place in the knockout stages, ahead of the penultimate matchday this midweek.
Nunez’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United considering him as a potential target amid the uncertain future of Edinson Cavani. The veteran striker has been linked with a move to Juventus lately, while his contract expires at the end of the season.
Nunez could prove to be an ideal long-term replacement, even more so for new Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, as the German mastermind prefers players that can offer pace and dynamism on the break.
Manchester City, too, are considering a move for the 22-year-old. He is likely being considered as a potential alternative for top target Dusan Vlahovic, whereas Newcastle United are aiming to make Nunez their main attacker of the massive project to make NUFC one of the biggest clubs in world football.
However, the report suggests Benfica have no intention of parting ways with Darwin Nunez in January. They are expected to ask a staggering €150 million fee for his services next month, meaning the interested parties from the Premier League would have to wait until the end of the season to garner any hopes of signing the forward on a cut-price.
