Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly the front-runners to sign Matheus Nunes, with Everton ruled out of the running.
According to a report by Portuguese publication Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City and Newcastle United lead the race to sign Matheus Nunes, with Everton ruled out as a contender. The Portuguese international has a €60 million release clause in his Sporting CP contract.
Matheus Nunes spent most of his formative years at Ericeirense before graduating from the Portuguese club’s academy. But the 23-year-old’s breakthrough came when he joined Sporting CP from Estoril in January 2019. And over the last three years, the player has gone from strength to strength at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Nunes has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign, chipping in with four goals and five assists in 48 appearances thus far this term. But the Portuguese international could be set to leave Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, with several Premier League bigwigs, including Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Everton, keen on securing his services.
The interest from Manchester City stems from Fernandinho’s impending departure as a free agent in the summer transfer window. While Nunes will not be a like for like replacement for the Manchester City captain, Rodri’s presence in the squad means Pep Guardiola can afford to sign someone like the Portuguese midfielder.
Recent reports suggested that Manchester City submitted an enquiry for Nunes, but competition from Newcastle United will keep the Premier League champions on their toes. The Magpies will take the next step in their evolution in the summer, and Nunes could join Bruno Guimaraes in a new-look Newcastle midfield.
As for Everton, the main objective remains to avoid relegation from the Premier League. If the Toffees succeed in staying in the top flight, a squad overhaul will be on the cards, with midfield needing reinforcing amid the inconsistencies of Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, and Tom Davies.
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But Everton will be fighting a losing battle in the race to sign Nunes, with Manchester City and Newcastle United being the front-runners in his pursuit. The two clubs can also afford to trigger his €60 million release clause. So it will be interesting to see who among Manchester City and Newcastle United can win the two-horse race to sign Nunes, possibly for €60 million.
