Manchester United are ahead in the race to sign highly sought-after South American striker, Darwin Nunez.
That's according to outlet AS (opens in new tab), who say that the forward's employers, Benfica, will not consider releasing their prized asset for any bid below nine figures. With United set to add at least one striker this summer, the Red Devils may trigger test €100 million asking price, which works out to around £84m.
New manager Erik ten Hag has seen Nunez up close already, having witnessed the Uruguayan score the winner against Ajax in the Champions League last-16. The 22-year-old also netted against Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Barcelona in this season's competition.
Although Ten Hag favoured a false nine at one point during his time at Ajax – using Dusan Tadic during the club's momentous journey to the 2018/19 semi-finals of the Champions League – Nunez is much more in the mould of a traditional striker.
The starlet is physical, offers deadly movement and has excellent finishing ability. In style, he shares a lot of his strengths with a player like Sebastien Haller, who Ten Hag brought to Ajax from West Ham United.
United are said to be looking at a number of forwards, with the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Harry Kane said to be on the radar.
Nunez is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt (opens in new tab).
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United are reportedly set to make a major u-turn and in fact offer Paul Pogba a new contract – which has apparently upset several of the dressing room.
There are big rumours about a busy summer at Old Trafford: Ten Hag apparently wants to bring three Ajax stars with him to the Premier League, Youri Tielemans is a potential arrival in midfield and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is also on the radar.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Mark White has been a staff writer on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, writing pieces for both online and the magazine. Over his time on the brand, he has interviewed the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Jack Wilshere, written pieces ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career, and has been to the FA Cup and League Cup finals, working for FFT.
