Reports from Portugal recently have suggested that Manchester City could target Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, with the most recent report suggesting that Pep Guardiola has ordered his scouts to keep an eye on the 21-year-old.

According to Record, as per Sport Witness, the Spanish manager wants to keep a close eye on the Uruguayan, who has been superb since joining Benfica last summer.

The striker has contributed a superb six goals and five assists in 12 appearances in all competitions for the Liga NOS side, averaging a strong 7.13 rating for his performances in the Portuguese top-flight, whilst his displays in the Europa League have resulted in an incredible 8.11 rating (per WhoScored).

This currently ranks him as the third-best player in that competition thus far, so it is no surprise to hear that he is attracting interest from Manchester City.

Nunez's manager, Jorge Jesus, was full of praise for the young striker after he marked his Europa League debut with a hat-trick against Lech Poznan earlier this season, saying:

"We got it right. We must not forget that he is a kid, he is 21 years old, there is a lot about the game that he does not know yet. He will learn with me and Benfica.

"All this decision-making ability, finishing and speed...He was Benfica's most expensive purchase, and when there is no pandemic, he will be the most expensive sale. He will be a world-class player.

"Unfortunately for me, maybe I will lose him in a short time." (per Goal)

Jesus is tipping Nunez to be Benfica's most expensive sale, despite them receiving a massive £113 million for Joao Felix when he joined Atletico Madrid in 2019, suggesting that if City do want to sign Nunez, then he won't come cheap.

However, the Citizens are in need of a prolific goalscorer to replace Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, who looks increasingly likely to leave this summer when his contract expires, so perhaps Nunez can be the Argentinian's long-term replacement, considering he has 25 goals in his first 65 appearances in senior football.

The reports certainly suggest that Guardiola is keen to sign him in the future, so the 21-year-old is certainly one for City fans to keep an eye on.

And, in other news... Man City can save themselves £45 million by keeping faith in 26 y/o beast