Glenn Fernandes
Newcastle United set to rival Manchester United in pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez
According to iNews (h/t Sunderland Echo), Newcastle United have Manchester United target and Benfica star Darwin Nunez at the forefront of their transfer plans this summer.
The Uruguayan striker has been a revelation for the Portuguese club so far. He is having an outstanding campaign this season, already netting 25 goals and bagging two assists in 32 matches across all competitions for Benfica.
Whilst the Magpies were initially quoted £50million, the Lisbon-based club could now be asking a higher fee in light of more suitors and his stellar performances. The Toonside club which were recently taken over by the Saudi-backed consortium flexed their financial might in the January window as they spent more than £90million in recruiting young talent.
Can Old Trafford dream again?
The Red Devils have spent enormous amounts of money trying to lure some of the most talented players from across the globe in the last few seasons. Despite this investment, the lack of silverware and consistency has been appalling, to say the least.
Ralf Ranginck has tried to instil an attacking and intense brand of football at Old Trafford ever since his arrival. Whilst the club has shown a positive drive and created numerous chances their lack of finishing in front of goal has haunted them.
Darwin Nunez could thus be considered as a great solution to their lack of depth upfront. Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo showed his worth against Tottenham Hotspur, the Portuguese maestro is in his late 30s and the club could do well to look for a younger replacement sooner rather than later.
Edinson Cavani has also been a pivotal presence but his contract runs out in June 2022. The Uruguayan international is in his mid-30s and an injection of young blood could help ease some of the nerves regarding the future of the striking department at Manchester United.
The 22-year-old Portuguese could be a dynamic presence and add that extra dash of pace and cutting edge that could make the Mancunian club a force to be reckoned with once again. Whilst it may take some time for the player to get used to the system, if nurtured properly could prove to be a great long-term asset for the Red Devils.
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If the Old Trafford outfit are genuinely interested in the Uruguayan youngster then the interest from the Magpies could spell bad news. The attempt at hijacking any deal for Nunez has become much tougher in light of the growing interest from our cash-rich rivals Newcastle United.
