Manchester United underwent a precise scouting mission with eyes on Darwin Nunez over the past few weeks.
According to reports, United representatives watched Nunez help Benfica shock Barcelona in the Champions League before specifically watching the Uruguayan the following weekend.
Nunez scored twice in their 3-0 win over international team-mate Luis Suarez's former club and caught the eye with an impressive display.
It has only strengthened links with a big transfer as United and others continue to monitor the 22-year-old.
And ex-Liverpool ace Suarez, who knows Nunez well as an international team-mate, is clearly an admirer of his ability.
Atletico Madrid ace Suarez has revealed he had already told Barcelona about the striker, in comments which suggest he would endorse a big club making a move.
In an interview on twitch, with Gerard Romero, Suarez said (via Marca): "I already told Barça about him when he was at Almería.
“But I won't say more because then they accuse us of suggesting signings."
A Bola have reported that United have returned more than once to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica to watch the 22-year-old and that scouting mission is likely to continue.
The 6’1 striker can function as a target man, drawing defenders in, but is technically impressive enough to drop deep and link play as well.
It is rumoured Chelsea have now joined the race for the youngster’s signature.
However, Benfica will be in no hurry to sell, having tied down the striker with a contract running until 2025 containing a €105million(£89.3million) release clause.
They have already rejected a €32million(£27million) bid from Brighton in the past.
Nuñez’s agent has stirred the rumour pot, recently revealing that he had been in contact with “various top-level teams” about his player's services.
Lasalvia told FC Inter News: "Darwin is ready to play in any team on the globe.
"Various top-level teams have contacted us, but for the moment the head is on continuing and growing with Benfica and with the Uruguayan national team: this is how important things will come."
Commenting on Nuñez’s similarity with his fellow countryman Edinson Cavani, he added: "They have a lot of things in common. We’re convinced that Darwin is destined for great things.”
