A fresh insight into the interest of Premier League outfit Newcastle United in the signature of Benfica star Darwin Nunez has been provided on Saturday.
For those not aware, reports pointing towards a whopping £50 million bid being tabled by the newly-minted Magpies for Nunez were forthcoming earlier this week.
This came amid suggestions of the hierarchy at St. James’ Park attempting to get a jump on the widespread competition for the Uruguayan ahead of the summer window swinging open.
Recent weeks alone have seen the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona all credited with an interest in Nunez’s services.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Antony and Darwin Núñez during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica & Ajax at the Estadio Da Luz on February 23, 2022 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Rumours of Newcastle making their move, however, appear to have been wide of the mark.
As per journalist Ryan Taylor of the Daily Express, though the Geordie outfit have placed Nunez firmly ‘on their shortlist’ ahead of the summer, a proposal for his services is yet to materialise:
No truth in reports that Newcastle have offered Benfica £50m for Darwin Núñez. Uruguayan is on their shortlist, however, but Magpies’ summer transfer budget will be dictated by FFP & player sales. Eddie Howe said on Friday: “We will have to be very smart with what we do.” #NUFC
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) April 16, 2022
Back on the scoresheet
The latest word on Newcastle’s interest in Nunez of course comes with the gifted attacker in the midst of a scintillating spell of form in front of goal.
After bagging a hat-trick in a league meeting with Belenenses last weekend, the 22-year-old followed up by showcasing his talents on the grandest stage in midweek, finding the net amid a fine all-round performance at Anfield:
Darwin Núñez scores another goal in the Champions League! ?
The young star continues to shine against Europe’s elite clubs…
What a star ? #UCL pic.twitter.com/hzEZAwjoI8
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 13, 2022
His latest strike took Nunez’s tally to seven goals in his last five appearances across all competitions, for a head-turning total of 30 goals and three assists across the season to date.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions & odds
Liverpool lodge request to have Newcastle clash rescheduled
