Manchester United 'preparing £115m double swoop for Darwin Nunez, Jurrien Timber'

Manchester United are reportedly lining up moves for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber during this summer's transfer window.

New Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is expected to have a healthy amount to spend in the upcoming market despite the club failing to qualify for the 2022-23 Champions League.

A new forward will be a priority this summer, as Edinson Cavani is leaving on a free transfer, while Anthony Martial could also be moved on in the upcoming market.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is said to be determined to boost his defensive line, and a number of centre-backs have been linked with switches to the club over the last few weeks.

According to The Mirror, Nunez and Timber are leading targets for Man United, and Ten Hag has instructed the club to make a £115m double swoop for the pair this summer.

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The report claims that Ten Hag wants to sign six new players, although a number of unwanted individuals will have to be moved on to further boost the club's budget this summer.

Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic are set to follow Cavani out of the door on free transfers, while Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could all move on.

Timber will allegedly cost Man United in the region of £35m, with the Amsterdam giants not in a position to reject a large offer for the defender this summer.

The Netherlands international made 43 appearances for Ajax during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing three goals and two assists in the process.

The 20-year-old largely played as a central defender last term but is also capable of operating as a right-back, which makes him an attractive proposition, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka has allegedly been told to leave.

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Nunez, meanwhile, will reportedly cost in the region of £80m, with the Uruguay international enjoying an impressive season for Benfica.

The 22-year-old scored 34 goals and registered four assists in 41 appearances in all competitions for his Portuguese club during the 2021-22 campaign.

Nunez 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, and he has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of the summer market.

A recent report claimed that Benfica valued the forward closer to £100m, but Man United were hopeful of dropping the asking price by including Martial in the deal.

Nunez scored 26 goals and registered four assists in 28 league appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, while he also netted six times in 10 Champions League outings.