Pep Guardiola ‘eyeing move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez’ in search for Sergio Aguero’s successor

Manchester City are weighing up a move for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez as the club step up their search for a long-term successor to Sergio Aguero, according to reports.

City boss Pep Guardiola signed a new two-year deal earlier this week – a story first broken by Sportsmail – and is now looking to rebuild areas of his squad following his extension.

And according to The Telegraph, the Catalan’s priority is to find a long-term centre forward to replace veteran forward Aguero – who turns 33 at the end of the season – especially if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium upon the expiration of his contract in June.

Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a move for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez

The club are set to step up their search for a long-term successor to forward Sergio Aguero

The report states that one player under consideration for the role is 21-year-old Uruguay international Nunez, who has impressed with five goals this season for Benfica since his move from Almeria in the summer.

However, the report adds that while he is considered to be the next Edinson Cavani in his home country, City believes he need to develop his game more before they attempt to bring him to the Premier League.

The same outlet adds Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku was also considered in the summer but the Serie A outfit set a price of £94million for the Belgium striker, while Tottenham remain determined to keep Harry Kane.

Aguero is City’s highest goalscorer of all time and has made no secret of returning to his native Argentina to play for former club Independiente before the end of his professional career.

City boss Pep Guardiola signed a new two-year deal earlier this week to commit his future

And the Catalan is now intent on rebuilding his squad with his priority a centre forward

But the report adds City are unlikely to sign the four-time Premier League winner’s successor in January and will wait until the summer before deciding on their preferred candidate. 

The same however appears not to be the case in terms of the club’s interest in Lionel Messi following Guardiola’s contract renewal.

City are set to reignite their interest in the Barcelona star in January, although Guardiola insisted on Friday that he is unaware of the Argentine’s plans. 

And the club are considering Nunez (centre), who is considered the next Edinson Cavani (right)

Messi will have only six months remaining on his contract in the new year and is able to negotiate a free summer transfer from that point. 

City may, however, see January as an opportunity to thrash out a fee for the 33-year-old as Barca are keen to re-sign 19-year-old defender Eric Garcia from them.

The club are also in the market for a left-back, but although that seems dependant on the likely departure of Aleks Zinchenko, who has started just two Champions League games all season, while Benjamin Mendy has not played since the start of October. 

The club also considered Romelu Lukaku (left) while Spurs are determined to keep Harry Kane