An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez heading into the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Uruguayan reporter Sebas Giovanelli has claimed that the Magpies are now rivalling Manchester United for the attacker's signature.

He Tweeted: "Man Utd and NUFC are bidding for Darwin Núñez and are the teams that are closest to signing the attacker at this time."

Liverpool have also been linked with a swoop for the centre-forward, who is reportedly available for a fee in the region of £85m.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will be buzzing with this news as the prospect of Nunez signing for the club is an exciting one and they will be delighted to read that the Magpies are willing to bid for his services.

The 22-year-old goal machine would be an exceptional signing for the Toon as he enjoyed a sensational 2021/22 campaign and has the potential to get better at his young age.

Almeira fitness coach Javier Agenjo dubbed him a "beast" and his former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus previously tipped him for big things, 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."

Nunez's statistics for Benfica in the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he is now fulfilling the potential that Jesus saw in him.

These stats from his Liga Portugal season show that he was lethal as he scored more than a goal every start in the division. His chance creation numbers also prove that he offers more than just goalscoring and can link up with his teammates to set them up for opportunities to score.

The gem has also proven himself in the Champions League as he managed six goals in six starts in Europe's elite competition, playing ten games in total. Two of those goals came against Liverpool and one came against Bayern Munich, showing that he can do it against some of the biggest teams on the continent.

Newcastle supporters will be buzzing with the club's interest in a player of his quality and will be pleased with the standard of targets Dan Ashworth is looking at. Even if they are not able to secure a deal for Nunez, it shows that the sporting director is ambitious and wants to pull off big deals to improve the team.

AND in other news, Ashworth "looking" at Newcastle deal for "clever" £75m gem, he can be Howe's own Salah...