Newcastle striker target holding out for Man City move as asking price becomes clear

Darwin Nunez could leave Newcastle United waiting by favouring a transfer to Manchester City, according to reports in Portugal.

The Benfica striker recently scored the winning goal for his side in their Champions League victory over Ajax. It continued his fine season, in which he has scored 26 goals, and further enhanced his reputation on the international stage.

The idea of a Premier League transfer being the reward for Darwin Nunez has been bubbling away for some time. He was recently tipped by a reliable source to become of interest to West Ham again, whose prospects have been rated as higher than before, but has heavily been linked with Newcastle too.

Now the conditions of his potential transfer have come to light, and it may make dissuading reading for all but a few clubs.

According to Record, Benfica are hoping to gain €80m from his sale if they cash in during the summer. That would be a hefty sum, although Newcastle’s new owners could help them reach what would be a record level for them.

It may also be accessible to the already established riches of Manchester City, who are in need of a new striker. In that regard, they are the favourites to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Darwin Nunez to join Newcastle in big transfer worth £70m

Newcastle United are to bid £70m for Darwin Nunez this summer as Benfica look to cash in on Uruguayan striker

Haaland is one of the few young strikers in Europe with a bigger reputation than Nunez. Indeed, the Norway international has already been touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

City could sign him by activating his release clause by the end of April. A decision in that regard is expected soon.

However, Nunez could also be on their radar as they evolve their attack. And according to Record, the Uruguay international is dreaming of a transfer to City or Atletico Madrid.

Darwin Nunez making big future plans

With that in mind, he recently changed his agents. His new representatives could help him push through a move to one of Europe’s elite.

It remains to be seen whether City have the appetite to sign Nunez, especially if they are focusing on Haaland. However, Record reveal he has been on their radar for a long time too.

Big decisions await City in the summer. Nunez will be keeping a close eye on the situation to see if he has a chance of making the move.

Turning 23 in the summer, he could be ready to take the next step in his career. Having been unimpressed by some of his January suitors, he is aiming to make it a big leap.

Any bidders will have to prise him out of a contract that is due to run until 2025. But Benfica are ready to resist the temptation to wait until the World Cup before seeing how his value is affected.

Instead, they are preparing themselves to accept an offer for their number nine in the summer. That is, as long as they receive the £67.6m figure they will be asking for.

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