Newcastle United are interested in a deal to bring Darwin Nunez to St. James' Park in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Portuguese publication Record (via Sport Witness), who claim that the centre-forward's agent is currently travelling around Europe in order to meet with a number of clubs interested in the 22-year-old.

Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Newcastle United are all mentioned as potential destinations for the Uruguay international.

However, the report goes on to state that, in order for Benfica to part with the striker in the winter market, they will demand that a buyer meets the player's release clause, which is believed to be in the region of €150m (£126m).

PIF must act

Considering just how impressive Nunez has looked for Benfica in recent seasons, it would appear highly advisable for PIF to make the 22-year-old their first signing in the January transfer window, despite the forward's extremely hefty asking price.

Indeed, over his nine Liga NOS appearances this term, the £18m-rated man has already bagged five goals, registered two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £31k-per-week striker average a SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as Jorge Jesus' eighth-best performer in the top flight of Portuguese football.

However, should an argument against Newcastle signing the striker based on the idea of the Premier League being a more challenging league than Liga NOS, Nunez's record in the Champions League would suggest he is more than ready for England.

Indeed, over the youngster's five appearances in Europe's most prestigious club competition in the current campaign, he has bagged three goals - two against Barcelona and one against Bayern Munich - and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.06.

As such, is it no wonder why Jesus believes the 22-year-old's eventual sale will go on to eclipse the club-record €126m (£114.48m) transfer fee Benfica received for Joao Felix, with the manager 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."

So, while the purchase of Nunez would set PIF back a considerable amount of money this January, is undeniable that signing the 22-year-old dubbed the next Luiz Suarez would be a marvellous move for the club,

Not only would he be a dream signing for Eddie Howe, he could well develop into one of the world's leading stars at St. James' Park - something that the Magpies' owners are surely keen to see happen.

In other news: PIF could "easily" seal NUFC deal to kickstart Howe era in £76m-rated "golden boy"