Newcastle United are set to step up their pursuit of Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, according to a report.

The striker scored his 26th goal of the season this week to help the Portuguese club progress into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and his performances have brought interest to him.

Eddie Howe's team brought in several players during the January transfer window which have helped them push away from the Premier League relegation zone, and that is why the club is now focusing on potential new faces for the summer.

According to i, Newcastle are in the running to sign Nunez this summer, although there are other teams interested in the striker, including Manchester United.

Benfica have placed a £50m price tag on him, but it is now expected it would take another £10m on top of that in order for his current club to sell him, which the Magpies can afford.

Newcastle have only scored 32 goals throughout this season in the Premier League, with new signing Chris Wood having only managed one since joining the club, hence why a striker is a target.