Manchester United are pursuing a deal to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, talkSPORT understands – but the Red Devils have been dealt a blow in their chase for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Benfica have slapped a £68million price tag on Nunez, who scored 34 goals this season.
The 22-year-old is said to be keen to become part of new United manager Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford revolution.
If he does sign, United fans will be hoping Nunez can replicate what he did against their rivals Liverpool last season, having scored in both legs of their Champions League clash.
The Reds are one of the other clubs linked with the Uruguayan, who is also reportedly being targeted by Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Nunez has made nine appearances for his country, scoring two goals, and will be hoping to go to the World Cup with the national team later this year.
He is one of a number of players that the Red Devils have been linked with in recent weeks, including the likes of Jurrien Timber and Barcelona’s De Jong.
But their pursuit of the Barca midfielder has been dealt a huge blow, after the Dutchman stated he would ‘prefer to stay’ with the Spanish club.
De Jong worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, when they reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
And, whilst the new United boss is said to be keen on reuniting with him, the 25-year-old has said he would like to remain at the Nou Camp.
“I prefer to stay with Barcelona,” De Jong told ESPN Netherlands’ Pascal Kamperman on Tuesday.
“Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too.
“I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice.”
Source: Talk Sport