While Newcastle United’s woes deepen, the stock of South American duo Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz continues to elevate.
On the day that the Magpies lost their third straight game – we conceded 11 goals in those matches – the battle to be the top scorer in Portugal’s top-flight is very much heating up between Nunez and Diaz, who are reportedly two Newcastle transfer targets.
Nunez scored a brace in Benfica’s 7-1 win against Maritimo last night to take his tally for the season across all competitions to 18 goals from 21 appearances.
The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals from his last six matches, and is the Liga Portugal Bwin’s top goalscorer with 13 goals from as many games.
The Magpies have been linked with a big-money move for the young striker in the January transfer window.
Portuguese outlet Record claim that the Toon Army are one of a number of clubs keen on signing the talented star.
Similar to Nunez, it was reported at the end of October that Newcastle were preparing to trigger Diaz’s £68 million release clause in January.
However, Manchester United and Liverpool are both reportedly interested in Porto star Diaz, according to SAPO Desporto.
The Colombian international also scored last night to ensure he kept up with Nunez’s goalscoring exploits. The 24-year-old opened the scoring in Porto’s 4-0 win at Vizela.
The left-winger is only a goal behind Nunez with 12 goals from 15 league games.
Incredibly, from 15 league games, Diaz is playing in a Porto side that has dropped just four points and sits joint-top with Sporting Lisbon on 41 points.
Nunez’s Benfica sit four points off the pace, but it looks like Portugal is set for a pulsating title race and a potential golden boot fight between Diaz and Nunez.
Nunez and Diaz a pipedream for Newcastle right now
It would be an absolute dream having Nunez and Diaz linking up together at St James’ Park, but the PIF project is not at the stage it needs to be to attract these calibre of players right now.
It’s highly unlikely that any amount of money could convince the South American duo to switch competing for big trophies and golden boots, to join a relegation dogfight.
The pair are destined for big-money moves and they could come in the summer and if Newcastle retain their Premier League status, our prospects of attracting the duo to Tyneside will be enhanced massively.
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