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The ex-Liverpool striker will leave Saudi Arabia this summer with several clubs ready to pounce for the Uruguay frontman
Darwin Nunez of Uruguay has been linked with Newcastle United and Chelsea
Darwin Nunez of Uruguay has been linked with Newcastle United and Chelsea
Darwin Nunez transfer chase as Newcastle United and Premier League rivals linked with ex-Liverpool star
Darwin Nunez is set for as potential Premier League return this summer with a host of clubs said to be keen on the Uruguay international.
The 26-year-old is expected to be available on a free transfer after an agreement to cancel his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, leading to speculation over his next move.
Nunez left Liverpool in a £46m deal last summer, but his move to Saudi Arabia has not worked out. Al-Hilal signed Karem Benzema in January, with Nunez dropping out of the squad due to rules over the number of foreign players.
Newcastle United have been following the Nunez situation for some time, with the Magpies on the lookout for new goalscoring options, and Nunez has been linked with a move to St James' Park.
He is said to favour a return to the Premier League, where he scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool after signing from Benfica in 2022.
According to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are also said to be interested in the striker, who is part of Marcelo Biesla's Uruguay squad for this summer's World Cup, as new manager Xabi Alono assesses his options.
Barcelona are also weighing up a move, with the Catalan giants frustrated in their bid to land Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Nunez would be a significantly cheaper alternative as they aim to replace Robert Lewandowski.
Newcastle spent big on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa last summer, but neither were able to provide the goals to help fill the void left by Alexander Isak's exit, with youngster William Osula leading the line in the latter stages of the Premier League season.
Nunez picks up a reported weekly salary of £400,000-per-week, but that would have to come down considerably if he returns to the Premier League. However, while he would be available on a free, it's debatable whether United would want to pay the wages he could command.
Nunez has 13 goals in 38 appearances for Uruguay, and is expected to be involved when they get their World Cup campaign under way against Saudi Arabia on Monday, June 15.