Manchester United have ‘initiated contact’ with Benfica over star striker Darwin Nunez, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a host of top teams from around Europe after enjoying an outstanding season with the Portuguese giants.

What is the latest news involving Nunez?

David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were leading the charge for Nunez’s signature last month as they all look to reinforce their forward lines.

And the transfer expert provided an update on the Uruguay international’s situation recently, claiming his price tag may actually be significantly lower than first believed.

Ornstein originally reported that Nunez would cost any potential suitor in the region of €70 million (£58.2m), but that figure has now dropped to €60m (£50.6m).

However, tempting the South American to Old Trafford may prove to be difficult for incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has previously informed GiveMeSport that Nunez wants to move to a club in the Champions League next term, and with United facing a season outside of Europe’s elite cup competition, they may be out of the running.

What has Taylor said about Nunez?

Taylor has claimed that Nunez is ‘definitely’ a player that United admire and that the club’s hierarchy have already made efforts to discover how much he would cost.

Sadio Mane set for Liverpool exit?! Find out more on The Football Terrace...

He told GiveMeSport: “I do sort of question where United's priorities lie; it’s probably a striker to help Ronaldo.

“So, Darwin Nunez, I know he’s a player definitely that United like, and they've initiated contact with Benfica and his agent to sort of gauge what kind of price tag would be enough to get him.”

How good is Darwin Nunez?

Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman said the striker was a “rough diamond” following his performances against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals.

And his outstanding productivity this term indicates he isn’t far away from being the finished article at the highest level.

Nunez made 41 appearances in all competitions throughout 2021/22, bagging 34 goals and providing a further four assists, with six of those efforts coming in the Champions League.

The 6 foot 2 ace was also comfortably the highest scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga despite Benfica finishing the campaign in a disappointing third place.

It remains to be seen if United can convince him to join Ten Hag’s revolution in the red half of Manchester or if the pull of PSG proves too much.