Exclusive: Newcastle handed Darwin Nunez boost as Toon target eyes Premier League move

Newcastle United are still in the mix for Benfica's Darwin Nunez, despite recent reports suggesting we had given up hope of signing the Uruguayan striker this summer.

Speaking exclusively to NUFCBlog.co.uk, Jacque Talbot - a correspondent at Football Transfers - has revealed that the 22-year-old "will be coming to the Premier League" and shall soon have TWO agents on task to make that move a reality.

Nunez will be represented by Eugenio Lopez by July, with Jorge Mendes overseeing his transition to the Premier League in an unofficial capacity, and Newcastle look set to be one of the English clubs who'll be offered the chance to strike a deal, says Talbot.

Manchester United are said to be a "step ahead" at present - even though uncertainty exists around his reluctance to give up Champions League football - but it's hoped our new owners could convince the highly-rated South American to join this exciting new project at St James' Park - something they did so impressively with Bruno Guimaraes in January.

Here's what Talbot told us on Nunez's future, suggesting Atletico Madrid are unlikely to lure him away from a Premier League move:

"Darwin Nunez will be coming to the Premier League, that's almost certain unless Atletico Madrid pull something out of the bag.

"I am led to believe Eugenio Lopez will be his official agent in July, and Jorge Mendes will help with the contacts, so Nunez will be offered to the likes of Newcastle, Wolves, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool.

"The thought is that Nunez might want Champions League football right away, but if you look at Bruno Guimarães, who chose them when they were in a relegation fight, it shows the club are clearly are capable of demonstrating a high degree of ambition to these players.

"Newcastle's priority position is a striker, and Nunez fits the bill in so many ways.

"I have heard that Manchester United are a step ahead at the moment, but Newcastle's interest is definitely still there."

Fingers crossed, folks. It may still be a long shot, but this would be one hell of a signing, a real statement of intent and the sort of striker capable of spearheading this new era on Tyneside!