Manchester United are continuing to hold talks with intermediaries over Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, with the Portuguese giants working on targets to replace him, 90min understands.
The 22-year-old was a prolific goalscorer during the 2021/22 season, netting 34 goals in all competitions including 26 strikes in just 28 Primeira Liga games.
Nunez was watched closely by United's scouts from the beginning of the season, and 90min revealed last month that he remained firmly in the club's sights.
Indeed, intermediaries are continuing to hold talks over a possible move for Nunez, with the Uruguayan represented by super agent Jorge Mendes - who has a long-standing relationship with both United and Benfica.
Atletico Madrid are keen to take Nunez to La Liga, but 90min understands that he would like to try his hand in the Premier League - where there has been significant interest in his services over the past year or so.
Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. This week they discuss whether Sadio Mane will leave Liverpool for Bayern Munich, Manchester United's pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, Newcastle's plans for Moussa Diaby and Sven Botman & Jorginho's future at Chelsea.
West Ham made approach at the end of the January transfer window, while Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal have also been tracking Nunez's progress in Portugal.
And having previously been unwilling to do a deal without a replacement in place, Benfica are now prepared to sanction an exit worth close to £70m and are drawing up a list of potential incomings.
90min can reveal that one player under consideration is Watford forward Joao Pedro, who was unable to prevent the Hornets from being relegated to the Championship last season.
The Brazilian has spent much of his time playing out wide at Vicarage Road, but is more than capable of playing through the middle - and a number of clubs, in addition to Benfica, are looking to prise him away from Hertfordshire.
The 20-year-old agreed to join Watford back in October 2018 before eventually making the move from Fluminense 15 months later after receiving a work permit. He has played 73 times for the club in all competitions since then, scoring 13 goals, and has a contract until 2025.
Source : 90min