Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica's Uruguayan star striker, Darwin Nunez.

What's the word?

That is according to a report relayed by Sports Witness, who claim that Benfica are already counting on the money from the sale of Nunez, ready to spend in the summer.

It is said that the club are hoping to make over €100m (£84.5m) from his departure with Manchester United named as a "shark" in what is a list of three clubs who are "best positioned" to land the Uruguayan's signature.

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The two clubs said to be rivalling United for the 22-year-old are Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid, with both sides reportedly looking to employ a new centre-forward this summer.

As per the report, in Manchester United's case, with Edinson Cavani said to be leaving the club and Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a new destination, it is said that manager Erik ten Hag "appreciates" Nunez's qualities.

Cavani Heir

With Cavani said to be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, and Ten Hag working on reigniting the Red Devils via a summer rebuild, Nunez, who has been dubbed an "exciting prospect" by journalist Sam Dean, could not arrive at Manchester United at a better time.

What's more, the switch of a 35-year-old Uruguayan forward for a 22-year-old one makes for a poetic transition that is symbolic of United's more modern approach under Ten Hag.

Interestingly, with the signing of Nunez, United are almost rolling back the years and unleashing what is a similar player to a prime Cavani.

With a shared style to the 35-year-old that promotes an emphasis on positioning in the box, Nunez quite simply makes for a natural and high-quality heir to the throne, with his 26 goals and four assists in 28 Liga Portugal appearances too good to ignore.

Cavani's experience will most certainly be a miss and it is a shame that he cannot stay a further year to help Nunez slot in at Old Trafford, if the club are to act on their supposed status as the leaders to sign him.

But whilst his absence will be felt in some ways, his presence, approach and style can live on in the Red side of Manchester under 22-year-old star, Nunez, someone dubbed an "absolute beast" by journalist Hari Sethi.

In other news: “Ten Hag wants..“: Sky Journo drops exciting 8-word United update, supporters buzzing