English top flight side West Ham United have been linked with a move for highly rated Benfica attacker Darwin Nunez ahead of the January transfer window which reopens in the next three weeks. The interest of the Hammers in Uruguayan national team star Nunez was revealed via a report from the stables of Portuguese publication Record which stated that other big clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester City are also eyeing a move for Nunez who has been likened to veteran Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.

Carlos Tevezhad a significant influence on West Ham United in his only season at the club and the Hammers could be set to unleash another Carlos Tevez if they make a move for Nunez who is the leading goalscorer at Benfica in the Portuguese top flight. 22-year-old Nunez, rated  £18m via Transfermarkt, has an attacking output of 11 goals and two  assists in 17 Benfica games in all competitions. He has eight goals and two assists in 11 league appearances for his Portuguese team this season and his return of three goals in six Champions League games this season has taken Benfica to the knockout stage.

For the Champions League knockout stage, Benfica will find out about their opponents when the draw takes place in the Nyon city of Switzerland on Monday. Benfica can meet any of the following seven teams in the first knockout stage. These seven teams are Premier League champions Manchester City, Liverpool, Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam, Spanish La Liga leaders Real Madrid, Manchester United, Italian giants Juventus and French champions Lille.

Veteran Argentine strikerTevez made his mark on the Hammers during the 2006/07 Premier League season. His biggest contribution toWest Ham was his winning goal on the final day of the season on the way to a 1-0 away win over Manchester United. His goal ensured that West Ham United stayed up at the end of the season.