Manchester United are ‘definitely aware’ of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez’s situation amid increasing speculation over his future, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The highly-rated 22-year-old is reportedly on the radar of a host of top European teams after enjoying an extremely fruitful 18 months for the Eagles.

What is the latest news involving Nunez?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, there are ‘three front-runners’ for Nunez’s signature ahead of the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain joining United in the hunt.

It’s claimed that Benfica are ‘open to a sale’ and are expected to demand around €70 million (£58.2m) for the prolific forward, with initial conversations expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the pursuit for Nunez, stating that it will actually cost his potential suitors €80m (£66.6m) to prise him away from the Estádio da Luz.

Romano also disclosed that the Uruguay international ‘will leave’ when the market reopens for business, though, and that the Red Devils’ hierarchy have ‘already discussed his name internally’.

Fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and West Ham were eager to snap up the youngster in January, but it seems other clubs have now moved ahead of them in the pecking order.

What has Jones said about Nunez?

With Edinson Cavani expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent following the conclusion of 2021/22, United are thought to be in the market for a new striker, and Jones has confirmed they are ‘considering’ an approach for Nunez.

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He told GiveMeSport: “He and his representatives are definitely open to the idea of landing in the Premier League, of course they are; it's the most lucrative league in the world.

“It's the highest level you can play at at the moment, in terms of domestic football, and Manchester United are definitely aware of his situation and are considering it if they do sign a striker.”

Would Nunez be a good signing?

Nunez arrived at Benfica in September 2020 following an eye-catching campaign with Almeria in the second tier of Spanish football.

And the South American instantly hit the ground running in his new surroundings, racking up 26 goal contributions in 44 appearances across all competitions throughout 2020/21.

But Nunez has elevated his game to new heights this time around, registering 31 goals and three assists in his 36 outings, firing Benfica to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Therefore, Nunez appears to be ready to join one of football’s elite teams, and he could prove to be an astute acquisition for United and incoming manager Erik ten Hag.