Sheffield United are set to miss out on yet another transfer target, with La Voz de Almeria reporting Darwin Nunez is about to join Benfica.
The Blades have been linked with a move for Nunez, with Almeria wanting around £18m for their striker. The 21-year-old impressed in the Segunda Division last season, scoring 16 goals to fire his side to the playoffs.
Their defeat to Girona in the semi-finals means the Spanish club are now resigned to losing their star asset – who only joined from Penarol in his native Uruguay last August.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, both Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton have been linked with Nunez. Several other sides across Europe have also shown interest.
In La Liga, both Real Betis and Valencia have previously been keen. As have Serie A duo Napoli and Roma. Yet it seems like Portugal will be Nunez’ next destination.
How do we know Benfica are signing Darwin Nunez?
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Nunez’ agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, is apparently going to travel to Lisbon at some point over this weekend to finalise negotiations.
Talks between the South American’s representatives and the Primeira Liga club have been progressing for the past two weeks. Now the final details will be discussed in person.
Benfica plan to include Diogo Goncalves in the deal in order to lower the fee.
It means United will have to look somewhere else, as Chris Wilder looks to secure a new forward in in time for the new campaign.
As things stand, the most likely option appears to be Rhian Brewster. The Liverpool youngster has been strongly linked with a loan move to Bramall Lane.
Reds boss, Jurgen Klopp, is said to be a big admirer of Wilder and his management and views the Blades as the “perfect place” for Brewster to develop his talent.