Newcastle United launch £49m bid for Uruguay striker amid Premier League interest

Since last year’s takeover, Newcastle United have been able to join some of Europe’s elite clubs in their pursuit of top players.

With their Premier League status looking safe, the Magpies are beginning to look to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have joined the race to sign Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and have already submitted a £49 million bid for the striker.

Nunez has been excellent this season, scoring 24 goals in 24 matches in the Primeira Liga, while also catching eyes in the Champions League.

The forward has bagged six goals in Europe, including one in each of Benfica’s quarter-final legs against Liverpool.

His fine form has attracted interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs, with Newcastle set to compete with both Manchester United and Arsenal for the Uruguay international.

The Tyneside club are the first to make an offer for Nunez, however it is believed that the Portuguese club value their star man at closer to £60m, meaning the Magpies may be forced to raise their bid in order to secure his services.

Having already competed in the Champions League during his time with Benfica, Newcastle may suffer a disadvantage as they can’t offer him European football, though they may be able to tempt him to St. James’ Park with a lucrative package.

Whether it is Nunez or not, Eddie Howe will be eager to bolster his attacking options this summer given Callum Wilson’s injury record.