EDINSON Cavani is helping Manchester United secure his own replacement by giving Uruguayan transfer target Darwin Núñez a favourable reference.
The veteran forward joined the Old Trafford club in 2020, but is set to leave when his contract expires in the summer and international team-mate Nunez – one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe – is seen as an ideal replacement.
35-year-old Cavani has struggled with injuries this season, scoring just twice. Credit: EPA The Benfica forward, who has played nine times for the national team, has scored 32 goals in all competitions this season.
His latest was an impressive equalising strike for the Portugese club at Anfield on Wednesday as his team drew 3-3 against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg.
Despite his team exiting the competitition 6-4 on aggregate Núñez drew praise from opposing manager Jurgen Klopp who stated the striker has “a big career ahead of him.”
United are one of a number of clubs currently scouting the 22-year-old with a fee of around £67 suggested may be needed to tempt Benfica into selling their star striker.
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Man Utd ‘had Mbappe contract ready’, Rashford ‘agreed PSG transfer While United’s defensive struggles have been the focus of much criticism this season, their ageing forward-line is another area seen as a key area for potential new manager Erik ten Hag to address.
While Cavani’s 17 goals and overall contribution in his debut season saw his stay extended by 12 months he has scored just twice during the current campaign after being hampered by a series of injuries.
The future Cristiano Ronaldo is also uncertain with the Portugese forward said to be frustrated by the club’s inability to challenge for trophies since his arrival from Juventus.
Núñez would bring much-needed youth and pace to United’s forward line but he has also been linked with rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks.
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The Benfica number 9 made his professional debut with Penarol in his homeland in 2017 and a £3.4m transfer to Spanish second-division side Almeria followed two years later.
16 goals in 30 appearances convinced Benfica to part with £20m on the youngster in the summer of 2020.
He scored 6 goals in 19 appearances during his debut season in Portugal but his form – and strike record – has improved dramatically during the current campaign, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
