According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have offered Benfica over €60m (£50m) for Darwin Nunez, as the Magpies look to fend off Europe’s elite.
What’s the story?
Well, the transfer window isn’t even officially open yet, but Newcastle are seemingly preparing a huge move in the shadows.
Foot Mercato believes the Magpies have made a bid of more than £50m to sign Nunez, who has been compared to Manchester United and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani.
The likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid are also interested in the 22-year-old.
So far this season, the Uruguay international has remarkably scored 32 goals in 37 appearances, while also providing three assists.
If the bid is accepted by Benfica, then Nunez will become Newcastle’s new club-record signing, replacing the £40m duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Benfica ready to sell Darwin Nunez
Interestingly, Benfica have already identified a replacement for Nunez, which suggests they’re preparing themselves for the South American’s exit.
Foot Mercato state that the Portuguese giants are targeting Boavista frontman Petar Musa to replace their prolific No.9 this summer.
The Croatian has scored 11 goals in 33 appearances this season.
With Benfica clearly preparing themselves for Nunez to go, Newcastle now have a mission on their hands to convince him to ignore Europe’s elite.
That will be a very tough task, but if Bruno Guimaraes was convinced to join before survival was secured, then it’s certainly possible.
Keep an eye on this saga, as it will be interesting to see how Benfica respond to the club-record bid from Tyneside.
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