DARWIN NUNEZ is reportedly on Pep Guardiola’s list of forwards identified as potential successors to Sergio Aguero.
The Telegraph claim the Benfica ace is being considered by the Manchester City boss who agreed to extend his stay at the helm of the Etihad.
Darwin Nunez is one of the strikers reportedly earmarked as a potential heir to Sergio AgueroCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Guardiola’s City, who take on Tottenham in the Prem this evening, are looking to refresh their squad with a striker to boost their firepower up top.
With Aguero approaching his 33rd birthday, the Etihad manager is thought to be on the hunt for a long-term replacement for the Argentine who has so far netted 180 Premier League league goals.
Reports claim Nunez, 21, has caught the eye of the former Barca boss this term with a string of impressive Benfica performances following a £21.8million summer switch from Almeria.
Man City are on the hunt for a replacement for Aguero Credit: PA:Press Association
However, it is thought City officials believe the Uruguayan youngster – dubbed the next Edinson Cavani – requires more time to develop before a move to England.
Lionel Messi is also on the radar of his former Barcelona coach and mentor.
Guardiola claims he would prefer the Argentina skipper to remain at the Nou Camp but admits his future is up in the air.
Aguero, 32, has enjoyed trophy-laden decade at Man City winning four Prem titles, five league cups and one FA Cup between 2011 and 2019.
Lionel Messi has been heavily linked with a reunion with his former boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: Reuters
Memorable moments include helping the club to clinch their first league title since 1968, with a dramatic late goal against Queen’s Park Rangers on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
The City talisman, who moved to Manchester from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has been linked with a return to Independiente, the Argentinian club where he started his career.
However should Aguero decide to extend his stay it is reported Etihad chiefs will still seek to bring in a younger forward, but are unlikely to make a move before the end of the season.
The Telegraph reports that Harry Kane is on the list of City’s targets.
But they are likely to face a fierce battle from Spurs who have the England ace in a contract until 2024.
Last year’s title runners-up are also thought to be in the market for a new left-back with Benjamin Mendy not making an appearance since October 3.
And full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has so far made just three City appearances across all competitions this season.
Pep Guardiola admits Lionel Messi’s future is up in the air as Man City plan transfer bid for unsettled Barcelona star
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
