Man Utd: £130m star could be 'perfect' for Ten Hag at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United could find the ‘perfect’ strike partner for Cristiano Ronaldo by tempting Benfica star Darwin Nunez to Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils are preparing to enter a new era, with Erik ten Hag set to take over as the club’s new manager at the end of the season, and it appears Nunez is among his first targets.

What’s the latest news involving Nunez?

According to the Mirror, Manchester United have been boosted in their pursuit of Nunez as his personal advisors have revealed he has set his sights on securing a move to the Premier League.

The report suggests the nine-cap Uruguay international is also on the radar of German giants Bayern Munich and Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid, but they have fallen behind Manchester United and other English suitors in the race for the striker’s signature.

While Nunez’s Benfica contract includes a £130million release clause, it is understood that £70million could be enough to tempt his current employers into sanctioning a deal.

It comes after West Ham United had a club-record £60million bid rejected during the final hours of the January transfer window.

Nunez has had a campaign to remember, with the 22-year-old finding the back of the net 34 times in 41 appearances.

What has Dean Jones said about Nunez?

Jones believes ten Hag could strike gold by pairing Ronaldo up with Nunez at Manchester United.

The transfer insider feels the Benfica marksman is what the Red Devils need after an underwhelming season which will see them miss out on bagging a Champions League spot, with sixth spot being their highest possible placing in the Premier League.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “That new and the old combination could be perfect for United next season. That’s what they need.

“They have to have somebody pushing Ronaldo but somebody also being nurtured by Ronaldo. I think that Darwin Nunez would be perfect.”

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Is Ronaldo staying at Old Trafford?

Ronaldo has reportedly told his Manchester United team-mates that he will be remaining with the club as long as ten Hag wants him.

It comes after it was claimed last month that ten Hag will allow the Portuguese to leave Old Trafford as he does not feature in his plans.

Ronaldo, who has scored 24 goals since sealing his return to the red half of Manchester last August, still has more than 12 months remaining on his £480,000-per-week contract.