Manchester United are now in the running to sign Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown
Central midfield is a priority for Erik ten Hag ahead of the summer transfer window, with two additions planned in that position (via The Athletic).
The 23-year-old is a willing and effective dribbler who is also strong in the passing department (via WhoScored). He played most of his football last season as the left central midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Nunes' contract is said to contain a release clause of €60m, which equates to £51.3m.
The latest
Correio de Manha reported (via Sport Witness) that United have 'joined the race' to sign Nunes, along with their crosstown rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have begun considering the Portuguese midfielder following the departure of Paul Pogba, but although both clubs are said to enjoy a good relationship with Sporting, City reportedly have the edge at the moment.
While the 23-year-old does have that aforementioned release clause, Sporting would listen to offers of €50m (£42.8m) in addition to taking a player on loan.
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The verdict
Nunes would be a good signing for the Red Devils.
He has won seven caps for Portugal, who are ranked eighth in the world, and he was named the Primeira Liga's best midfielder for October and November this season.
He earned mighty praise from City manager Pep Guardiola, who called him 'one of the best players in the world' following their meeting in the Champions League round of 16 earlier this year.
United will no doubt be encouraged by the efforts of Bruno Fernandes since his move from Sporting in January 2020, with the 27-year-old scoring 50 goals and setting up another 39 in his first 126 appearances for the club, and hopefully they can land another top talent from the Lisbon outfit in Nunes.
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