In-demand Benfica striker Darwin Nunez has reportedly rejected an approach from Manchester United over a summer transfer.
United were recently handed a double boost on their pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who is thought to be at the top of their striker shortlist. The Uruguayan international is expected to be one of Europe's most sought-after forwards over the coming months after a sensational season in the Primeira Liga and Champions League and is high on the Red Devils' transfer wanted list.
Nunez bagged an impressive 34 goals in all competitions this season – including in both legs of their European clash against Liverpool at the quarter-final stage, taking his goal tally in the competition to six for the campaign – while he recently handed United a transfer boost by confirming he was changing his agent this summer.
Incoming United boss Erik ten Hag has witnessed Nunez first hand as the striker's biggest goal came in Benfica's Round of 16 victory over Ten Hag's Ajax, before scoring in both legs of the quarter-final against Liverpool – in which Benfica were defeated 6-4 on aggregate. The forward also notably impacted the group stage victory over Barcelona, where he bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over the Catalan side.
A report from RMC Sport claims that United have made a £68million (€80m) approach for the striker, along with fellow Premier League side Newcastle. However, Nunez is said to have rejected both clubs due to his desire to continue playing in the Champions League – the competition in which he has impressed so much this campaign.
The same report claims that these are the only two clubs who made approaches for the Uruguayan striker so far although they do say that Paris Saint-Germain retain an interest in Nunez. PSG are worried that Kylian Mbappe will leave as a free agent this summer while there are also doubts over the future of Mauro Icardi, the only other senior recognised striker in the squad.
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United are in the market for at least one new striker this summer with Edinson Cavani to leave the club as a free agent. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Lee Grant will also be leaving Old Trafford in a huge player clearout, with the futures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones all uncertain.
Anthony Martial is due to return to the club following his loan spell at Sevilla, but he did not score a single goal in La Liga during this stint and United will listen to offers for the player to leave on a permanent basis.
