Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United receive major Darwin Nunez transfer boost as Benfica striker snubs Newcastle United approach
According to The Sun, Manchester United have received a major transfer boost in the race to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in the upcoming summer transfer window, after the forward snubbed an approach from Newcastle United.
Nunez has been in sensational form this season, tearing it up in the Primeira Liga as well as in the Champions League, leading the line exceptionally well for Benfica. His performances on the pitch have seen him gather interest from other sides, with Premier League clubs keen on signing him.
The Telegraph (Subscription Required) had earlier reported that Newcastle had made an approach to sign the 22-year-old this month, with manager Eddie Howe eager to continue the rebuild at St. James Park after getting the backing of his uber-rich new owners.
The Magpies went big in January, signing stars such as Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, and Bruno Bruno Guimaraes to bolster his squad and climb up the league table in order to escape relegation at the end of this season.
Nunez holding out for bigger side
Despite the Toon making an offer to secure the services of the Uruguayan ace, Nunez snubbed their approach as he is keen to hold out for a bigger club. Although this is a massive transfer boost for United, their current league position may cause a problem for them as the striker is said to want to play for a team that guarantees Champions League football next term.
That may still prove to be only a minor bump in the Red Devils’ path to secure the Benfica man’s signature, as they received another boost after news broke out that super-agent and club favourite Jorge Mendes will be working with Nunez to find his next club. The agent was critical in helping the Manchester side sign Bruno Fernandes, and also brought Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford last summer.
United’s need for a number nine is no secret, given how poor and unreliable their current crop of forwards have been. Despite Mendes bringing back club legend Ronaldo to help boost the team’s goals tally, the Portugal international has blown hot and cold this year.
Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford have made little to no impact on the pitch this term, with the former barely featuring for the side due to injury struggles while the latter has looked low on self-confidence and form.
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Combined with Mason Greenwood’s suspension and Anthony Martial’s uncertain future at Old Trafford once he returns from his loan spell at Sevilla, the need for a striker is apparent. Not just this, a younger replacement is needed for Ronaldo and Cavani, with both stars on the wrong side of 35.
Nunez may prove to be a tricky buy given his demand of UCL football, but Mendes’ links with United could shift the favour in our balance. Only time will tell if the Uruguayan striker has a change of heart, once his agent gets to work in the summer.
