Manchester United 'fear missing out on Darwin Nunez transfer'

Manchester United are reportedly fearful that they will be priced out of a move for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez during this summer's transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to stay at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign, but Edinson Cavani's departure on a free transfer has already been confirmed, while there is uncertainty surrounding Anthony Martial's future.

As a result, a new striker will move to the club this summer, and Nunez is believed to be Man United's leading target in the final third of the field.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for his Portuguese club, scoring 34 goals and registering four assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.

According to the Daily Star, Benfica want in the region of £100m for the forward this summer, which would price Man United out of a switch in the upcoming market.

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The report claims that the 20-time English champions are not prepared to meet Benfica's asking price, but Erik ten Hag's side will continue to hold talks with the Portuguese outfit in the hope of reaching a compromise.

Nunez scored 26 goals and registered four assists in 28 league appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, but the Eagles only finished third in the table behind Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

The Uruguay international also netted six times in 10 Champions League appearances, as Benfica reached the quarter-finals of the competition before losing to Liverpool.

In total, the striker has found the back of the net on 47 occasions in 84 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Almeria in September 2020, in addition to contributing 16 assists.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are also among the clubs to be credited with an interest in Nunez, who is likely to push for a move away from his current side in the upcoming market.

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Man United are believed to have scouted Nunez on a number of occasions during the 2021-22 campaign and have come to the conclusion that he would be the ideal signing in the final third of the field.

Marcus Rashford struggled for form last season but is expected to be given the opportunity to prove himself under Ten Hag, while Jadon Sancho will be hoping to kick on after his first season at Old Trafford.

Cavani's departure will leave the club short of options at centre-forward, though, which will lead to the 20-time English champions entering the market to boost their attack.

Man United are also keen to sign a new centre-back and central midfielder this summer, with a number of players set to leave the club, either on free transfers, loans or permanent moves.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong remains a leading target, and the Red Devils have allegedly given the Netherlands international a transfer ultimatum, as they look to determine whether he would be interested in joining the club.