Manchester United could hold the edge in the pursuit of Benfica forward Darwin Nunez thanks to the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Mendes, whose agency Gestifute represent United forward Ronaldo, has taken over from the Uruguayan's previous representatives ahead of a potential summer move. United are far from the only club in the mix, with Arsenal also among those linked, but they may well feel they now have an advantage.
United's lack of Champions League football could remain an issue, with reports previously suggesting this provided a stumbling block for a potential deal. However, the Red Devils are expected to continue pushing for a man for whom Benfica are likely to accept €80m (£68m).
According to The Athletic, Mendes will work on an anticipated summer move after striking a deal to take over from Nunez's compatriot Edgardo Lasalvia. The same report also makes reference to manager Erik ten Hag's stance on Ronaldo amid the involvement of the Portuguese agent.
“What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around," Ten Hag said when quizzed on the squad he is inheriting from Ralf Rangnick. "We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant.”
United are expected to invest in attack this summer, among other areas. They are already a man down, with Nunez's international colleague Edinson Cavani playing his last game for the club in the season-closer at Crystal Palace.
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“I sincerely have nothing but words of gratitude towards the fans and supporters of Manchester United,” outgoing striker Cavani told the club’s media team. “Honestly, they have shown me a lot of respect from the very first moment I arrived.
"I think they’ve greatly recognised all the hard work I’ve always tried to put in in the best way possible, giving my best for this team. I really am very grateful, and I’ll be leaving here with a happy memory of that affection they showed me and always displayed.”
Nunez scored 26 goals in the Primeira Liga last season, six more than his closest challenger, and 34 in all competitions. However, it was only enough for a third-place finish for Benfica, who will now need to go through qualifying to make next season's Champions League.
The former Almeria frontman also impressed in the Champions League, finding the net six times. Those goals included a winner against Ten Hag's Ajax side in the last 16 and goals in both legs of Benfica's quarter-final defeat against Liverpool.
