Newcastle United have reportedly accelerated their transfer plans to sign Manchester United target Darwin Nunez, who is valued at £60 million by Benfica.
According to iNews, Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez as they look to fend off competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Magpies are on the cusp of safeguarding their Premier League status after collecting 19 points from their last 24 available, pulling them nine points clear of the relegation zone and up to 14th place on the table.
This stunning run of results has given Newcastle United a significant boost in their efforts to sign top players ahead of what looks to be a huge summer revamp at St. James’ Park, as the new owners aim to build a team competent enough to challenge for trophies in the next few years.
Newcastle are not wasting any time in going about their business either and are seemingly ramping up their efforts to sign one of Europe’s most wanted strikers in Benfica’s Uruguayan hitman Darwin Nunez, who has been identified as one of the primary summer targets.
Nunez has been a revelation for the Portuguese club since arriving from Almeria in September 2020. After a solid debut season in Portugal, the attacker has justified the hype surrounding him in the current season, notching up 25 goals and two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, remarkably averaging a goal every 83 minutes.
Nunez’s stellar goalscoring form this campaign has already put plenty of top clubs across Europe on high alert. West Ham United tested the waters in January, while Newcastle United and Manchester United are the most active parties in the race for his services this coming summer.
With star striker Callum Wilson struggling to overcome his injury issues and Chris Wood more of a backup in the long run, Newcastle United’s cash-rich owners may look to spend big on a striker in the summer. Nunez fits the bill for the Magpies, and winning the race for his signature would be a major statement of intent, given his enormous potential.
The Uruguayan sensation appears to be the complete package; he certainly has an excellent eye for goal, while possessing the speed, physical attributes and acceleration to outfox his marker and be a menace inside the opposition box. However, Newcastle United could face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been profligate in front of goal despite having experienced strikers in Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani on their roster. Ronaldo showed his class against Tottenham Hotspur with his recent hat-trick, but with the Portuguese ace in his late 30s and Cavani out of contract at the end of the season, Manchester United will be looking for a top-notch young striker in the summer. Nunez looks to be a perfect solution and could be a great long-term asset if developed properly.
The 22-year-old is contracted with Benfica until 2025, and Newcastle United were reportedly quoted £50 million for Nunez in January. But with his stock rising even further following his goalscoring exploits this term, it may now cost any suitor closer to £60 million to sign the highly-rated Uruguayan sensation.
