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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Man City 'have the egde' over Manchester United in Darwin Nunez chase and more transfer rumours

Manchester City hold the advantage over Manchester United in the race for striker Darwin Nunez, according to reports.

The summer transfer window is still several months away but both Manchester clubs continue to be linked with players well in advance, with Benfica starlet Nunez the latest.

The Uruguayan has been in great form this season, with six goals in just eight matches, including a double as the Portuguese side put Barcelona to the sword with a 3-0 victory in the Champions League last week.

It's been reported that scouts of both United and City were in attendance for the match to run the rule over Nunez and the red half of Manchester must have been impressed as A Bola, via the Daily Star, report that they went to watch him again on Sunday.

However, despite United making their intrigue known, City reportedly feel that they 'have the edge' in the chase thanks to their relationship with Benfica, having signed Ederson and Ruben Dias from the club in recent years.

It's added that Nunez' buy-out clause sits at £125million, though there is belief that he could be bought for closer to £70million. The Manchester clubs face some stiff competition, however, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all linked as well.

City will be on the hunt for a striker next year as they look to finally replace Sergio Aguero following their failed attempts to sign Harry Kane. United, however, are understood to be prioritising other positions, namely centre-midfield, after the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, it's reported that United may allow midfielder Donny van de Beek to leave Old Trafford in January.

The Mirror reports that United will consider allowing the Dutchman to go out on loan as his struggle for minutes has continued this season.

They say United could look to rejuvenate the midfielder in a similar manner to Jesse Lingard earlier this year by allowing him to leave on a temporary deal.

Finally, Barcelona are reportedly planning on making a move for City star Raheem Sterling in January.

Despite his incredible performances for England at Euro 2020, Sterling's club form hasn't improved so far in the current campaign and he remains out of favour under Pep Guardiola.

According to Sport, Barca are interested in the forward and actually held talks with him about a possible move to Spain in the summer. It's added that Sterling was keen on the move and remains 'crazy' about getting the deal over the line.

However, with the club's well-documented financial troubles, it seems implausible that they would be able to afford him.

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