Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost over Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as their former forward Diego Forlan has pushed for the move to happen.
The Red Devils and Arsenal have been among the clubs who have sent scouts to watch Nunez in action last week ahead of the summer transfer window. The Uruguayan international is expected to be one of Europe's most sought-after strikers over the coming months after a sensational season in the Primeira Liga and Champions League.
Nunez has netted 34 goals in all competitions this season – including in both legs of their European clash against Liverpool at the quarter final stage – while he recently handed United a potential transfer boost by confirming he was changing his agent.
Interim Benfica boss Nelson Verissimo has already spoken about the possibility of the striker moving on this summer and admitted the Lisbon giants may look to cash-in on Nunez. He did however suggest that any deal would come at a significant cost to any buyer and likened it to the £106million transfer vee that took Joao Felix from the club to Atletico Madrid three years ago.
Despite this, former United striker and Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan has encouraged his fellow countryman to make the move to Old Trafford. Forlan believes that the Benfica striker would be a good fit at United and has prompted the two to conclude a deal.
Speaking to Breaking the Lines, the former United striker said of Nunez: “I think that he is a very good player, a good kid who is doing really well at Benfica and is enjoying a strong season. It is not just the Portuguese league where he is doing well but in the Champions League too, where he scored six goals this season and helped take Benfica to the quarter finals.
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“He is a player who has a lot of potential and he could fit in at Manchester United. But obviously, everyone needs to have patience, although he is getting better with more and more experience.
“He would not be a bad signing for Manchester United and it would be nice to see him there. It is a club that gives you time, that makes you feel comfortable and as if you are in a familiar place, very cosy and nice. It would be spectacular having him playing for Manchester United.”
The Uruguayan has emerged as a transfer target for United, who are in the market for a new striker this summer. Edinson Cavani’s contract at Old Trafford expires this summer and the long-term futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford are also uncertain.
Nunez was one of the stars of this season’s Champions League and most notably in the group stage victory over Barcelona, where the striker bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over the Catalan side. His biggest goal came in the Round of 16 win over Ajax, before scoring in both legs of the quarter final against Liverpool – in which Benfica were defeated 6-4 on aggregate.
