Newcastle are leading the way to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes in the summer but will face strong competition for his services.
Nunes is no stranger to the Magpies, who reportedly failed to sign him in January 2021. But they maintained an interest and look to be in a much better situation to get it done this time. That is according to Record. They suggest Newcastle and Manchester City are top of the list of admirers.
The 23-year-old has been in sparkling form of late. Such performances have Record suggesting that Sporting will struggle to keep hold in the summer.
There is a get-out clause said to be worth £50m in the player’s contract. The report suggests that Nunes could be picked up for slightly less and Sporting are braced for interest.
A number of clubs throughout Europe are tracking Nunes. Wolves are said to be another who are keen. They could need new midfielders in the summer with Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho tipped to leave.
They have replacements lined up and Nunes is said to be one of them. Even so Newcastle are said to be leading the way along with City.
City came up against Nunes in the Champions League earlier in the season. Pep Guardiola’s men ran out 5-0 winners in Lisbon but Nunes still did enough to catch the eye.
Reports at the time claimed that City and Sporting officials held talks over a potential future deal. Nothing was agreed though and the door is still open for Newcastle to swoop.
Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his midfield this summer and the fee will not be an issue. The Magpies could also have one advantage over Manchester City. Nunes would struggle to force his way in to their star-studded side. If it is first-team football he is after then he has more chance with Newcastle.
Newcastle project will suit Nunes
The report claims that Nunes will not be kicking up a fuss and pushing for a move. Indeed he will wait for ‘favourable conditions’ and an ‘ambitious project’.
That can be interpreted as good wages and regular football. Plus a club looking to push for honours. Newcastle could therefore tick all his boxes for a dream move.
The report also claims that Sporting have pretty much accepted Nunes will leave. Now it all depends on who can come in and pay the £50m they are looking for.
READ MORE: Newcastle trump card evident as star player reference may help to secure big summer signing
