An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's interest in Darwin Nunez heading into the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Pete Graves has revealed that the Benfica striker is admired by multiple people within the Tyneside club ahead of a crucial few months in the market.

The Sky Sports reporter tweeted: "Was told last night 'still work to do' on #Ekitike to #nufc deal. Growing confidence that one will be done. At least three other strikers have been discussed. (One of them is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, certain members of the ownership also "admire" Darwin Nunez)."

Eddie Howe's own Alan Shearer

Magpies boss Eddie Howe can land his own clinical goalscorer for Newcastle by sealing a deal to sign Nunez from Benfica this summer.

Shearer is a bona fide club legend at St James' Park as he ended his career with 206 goals in 405 appearances for the Toon Army, which means that he scored a goal every 1.96 matches for the club. This is a phenomenal record and one towards which every player who takes the number nine shirt on Tyneside must strive.

Meanwhile, Nunez has averaged a goal every 1.79 matches for Benfica, including one every 1.67 games in the Champions League and every 1.81 games in the Portuguese top flight. He has scored 47 goals in 84 outings for the Lisbon club, with six in 10 Champions League matches and 32 in 57 league appearances.

The striker was once tipped to be a "monster" by FOX reporter James Dodd during his time at Almeira, and his form for Benfica this season shows that the Uruguayan is fulfilling his potential. 

Nunez, who is reportedly valued at up to €100m (£85m), scored at a phenomenal rate in the 2021/22 campaign and has proven that he can find the net on a consistent basis.

At the age of 22, he also has the potential to get even better as he has plenty of years left to hone his skills and improve parts of his game. This means that Newcastle would be signing a player with the ability to make an impact in the here-and-now as well as in the future, assuming that he can adapt to the Premier League.

Nunez could be Howe's own Shearer, as he has the goal record to suggest that he will be a clinical striker; and he is at an age which will allow him to play for the Magpies for a number of years, just like the former England international did.

AND in other news, "Newcastle hopeful...": Craig Hope issues major transfer claim that'll excite Howe...