According to Luke Edwards, Newcastle almost signed Darwin Nunez in January, but he’s now on his way to the Premier League with Liverpool.
What’s the story?
Well, this will surely upset some Newcastle fans.
Edwards – who works for the Telegraph – spoke to Sky Sports about how Newcastle were actually the first club to make a move for Nunez in January.
The Northern Football correspondent explains how the Magpies attempted to get a headstart on England’s biggest clubs during the winter, much like they did with Bruno Guimaraes, only for the pursuit to collapse.
Edwards claims that Nunez was biding his time, while Benfica were also still in the Champions League and reluctant to sell their talisman at that point.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Newcastle were the first to move for him in January. He is a striker Eddie Howe really likes, and much like they did with Bruno Guimaraes, they tried to get a bit of a headstart on the big clubs in Europe.”
Now, the 22-year-old is closing in on an £85m move to Liverpool, in what is a shock turn of events.
Nunez is also wanted by Manchester United, who are making a late push to fend off Jürgen Klopp, although it seems the Uruguay international is on his way to Anfield.
In 41 appearances last season, the South American scored 34 goals in all competitions.
Newcastle & Liverpool on the same page
In our view, while this news will disappoint some Newcastle fans, it should also encourage them.
Liverpool are arguably the best operators in the transfer market, and rarely make a poor signing.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Luis Diaz and Fabinho were all signed for huge fees, but they all turned out to be game-changing acquisitions for the Reds.
Therefore, the fact Newcastle were actually the first to make contact with Nunez in January proves Howe is barking up the right trees in the market.
If this is the type of player Newcastle are chasing this summer, it is sure to be an exciting transfer window for the Toon Army.
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