Newcastle United have "looked at" Benfica striker Darwin Nunez ahead of the summer transfer window, says Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The 22-year-old is enjoying an incredible season at the Estadio da Luz and is now being linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs.

What is the latest news involving Nunez?

The Athletic recently reported that Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are currently the frontrunners for Nunez's signature.

It comes as no shock to hear that the three European giants are interested in signing the Uruguayan, as all three clubs have a striker dilemma right now.

United are set to lose Edinson Cavani at the end of the season when his contract expires, PSG are in a similar boat with Kylian Mbappe, who will also be a free agent in the summer, and Chelsea have not been able to get the best out of Romelu Lukaku this term. The 28-year-old has scored just five Premier League goals.

Newcastle, though, do look to be in the race for Nunez, with the i reporting last month that the Tyneside outfit are keen on striking a potential £60m deal with Benfica for his services.

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What has Downie said about Nunez to Newcastle?

Downie's understanding is that Newcastle are indeed interested in signing Nunez this summer and are likely to make recruiting a proven goalscorer a priority.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports journalist said: "Nunez is someone they've looked at, they've watched. I think a proven goalscorer on the European stage will be one of the main priorities, if not the priority in the summer."

Should Newcastle make Nunez a priority?

Absolutely. It is going to be difficult to sign the Uruguay international given some of the other clubs that are also trying to buy him, but he is undoubtedly worth the time and effort.

In 25 league games this season, Nunez has scored an incredible 25 goals. He has also been deadly in the Champions League, netting six times in 10 appearances.

Two of those six goals scored in Europe's elite competition came against Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp was quick to praise Nunez after the first leg of the Reds' quarter-final tie with Benfica.

"Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate," the German said (via talkSPORT).

“He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good. I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

Ultimately, for any club looking for a top striker like Newcastle this summer, Nunez has to be on their shortlist.