Newcastle have begun the scramble for Darwin Nunez's signature by making a £50million offer for the Benfica sensation.

Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and West Ham have all been linked with the striker, as have European heavyweights Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Footmercato claim Toon chiefs have made an attempt to jump the queue by submitting a formal offer for Nunez at the start of what is set to be a big-spending summer in the North East.

Nunez, 22, scored in both legs as Benfica lost 6-4 on aggregate to Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals to continue an incredible season in front of goal.

The Uruguayan has hit the net six times in ten outings in Europe this term and his 32 strikes in 37 in all competitions have clubs across the continent plotting summer swoops.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was allowed to splash the cash in January with the Magpies in serious danger of relegation.

And having appeared to have secured top-flight football for next season, Toon's Saudi-backed owners are expected to open the chequebooks again in the upcoming window.

But they will face fierce competition for Nunez and despite their new-found wealth, Newcastle will struggle to compete if their more illustrious rivals step up their interest in Nunez.

In other news

Maurizio Sarri is keen to reunite with Chelsea ace Jorginho at Lazio but faces competition from AC Milan and Juventus over a summer move, claim 90min.

The Italy star is out of contract at the end of next season and ex-Blues chief Sarri is ready to pounce after working with the playmaker at Napoli.

Manchester United are keen on River midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 21, who has a £20.6m buy-out clause, report the Daily Mail.

David Beckham wants to sign former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos for Inter Miami, according to Todofichajes.