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Manchester United 'closing in on deal for Benfica's Darwin Nunez'

Man United 'closing in on deal for Benfica's Darwin Nunez'
© Reuters
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Benfica centre-forward Darwin Nunez, according to a report.

Manchester United are getting "closer and closer" to securing a deal for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, according to Portuguese transfer insider Pedro Almeida.

The 22-year-old has been in excellent form for the Eagles during the 2021-22 campaign, finding the back of the net on 34 occasions in 40 appearances, in addition to contributing six assists.

Nunez still has more than three years left to run on his contract with Benfica, but the Portuguese giants are unlikely to be able to keep hold of him during this summer's transfer window.

A number of leading European clubs have been linked with the Uruguay international, with Man United believed to be among the favourites for his signature in the upcoming market.

According to Almeida, Erik ten Hag's side are now closing in on a deal for the centre-forward, with the Premier League giants placing an offer of €80m (£67.4m) on the table.

Benfica's Darwin Nunez pictured on October 3, 2021© Reuters

Bayern Munich have also been strongly linked with the South American, but the Bundesliga champions have allegedly been priced out of a summer deal.

Meanwhile, Manchester City appear to be focusing on a move for Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to keep hold of Harry Kane this summer, meaning that a move for a new centre-forward will not be a priority for the London club.

Man United, though, will lose Edinson Cavani on a free transfer this summer, while the futures of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are also far from secure.

Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a brilliant scoring season on his return to Old Trafford, but the Portugal international could also be on the move during this summer's transfer window.

As a result, the 20-time English champions might be in the market for a couple of new strikers ahead of next season, and Nunez is reportedly set to move to Old Trafford.

Benfica's Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring against Boavista on September 20, 2021© Reuters

Nunez has scored 48 goals and registered 16 assists in 84 appearances for Benfica since making the move from Almeria in September 2020.

The forward is comfortably the leading goalscorer in the Primeira Liga this season with 26, six ahead of Porto's Mehdi Taremi, while he also impressed in the Champions League, netting six times in 10 appearances.

The Uruguayan struck three times in the group stage of the European Cup against Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while he netted against Ajax in the round of 16 before registering home and away in Benfica's 6-4 aggregate defeat to Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Eighteen of Nunez's 34 goals at club level this term have come when he has started through the middle, while he has netted 10 goals in five outings starting from the left, and his versatility makes him an attractive proposition for Man United, who beat Brentford 3-0 in their final home match of the season on Monday night.

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