An update has emerged on Newcastle United's pursuit of Benfica centre-forward Darwin Nunez...

What's the talk?

According to Mais Futebol, via Sport Witness, the Magpies have held talks with Rui Costa, the Portuguese club's president, over a potential deal for the Uruguayan forward.

The report claims that Benfica want a fee in the region of £42.7m (€50m) and want to keep him until the end of the season.

Get it done

PIF must ensure that they complete a deal to sign Nunez to bolster Eddie Howe's Newcastle squad, whether that comes in January or at the end of the season.

He has been in prolific form for Benfica this term and could be a terrific addition to the Magpies both in the short- and long-term. In the immediate future, the predator could be an excellent signing as he has shown that he can score at an impressive rate, with 11 goals in 17 games across Liga Bwin and the Champions League, whilst also providing two assists.

This suggests that he has the quality to find the net regularly at the top level, with three goals in six games in Europe's premier cup competition, and could improve Newcastle's attack by coming in and scoring the goals to either keep them up this season or fire them up the table next term, depending on when (or if) he joins.

In the long-term, he has the potential to develop even further. His manager Jorge Jesus once claimed that the attacker will go on to become an elite striker, stating"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."

At the age of 22, Nunez still has plenty of years left to grow and improve, and Newcastle could be buying him for his current quality as well as the prospect of what he could become. Despite his young age, he is already showing consistency with his form in front of goal for Benfica this season and that provides a glimpse at the player the Magpies could be getting.

Therefore, PIF must make sure that they can secure a deal for his services within the next two transfer windows to hand Howe the tools he needs to take the club forward.

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