Manchester United are getting serious about wantaway Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

Italian transfer expert Nicolo Schira is reporting United are already in discussions with his agent Jorge Mendes, who recently took up the Benfica striker as a client.

Schira says: "Manchester United are in pole to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica in the transfers window. Talks ongoing with his new agent Jorge Mendes for 5-year contract. MUFC are preparing the first official bid to Benfica. "

Nunez, 22, has been linked with some of the top clubs in Europe in recent weeks, with his incredible 31 goals in 36 games catching the interest of some of the elite teams.

West Ham made a failed move for the star in the January transfer window.