Soccer Football - Primeira Liga - FC Porto v Sporting CP - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - February 11, 2022 Sporting CP's Matheus Nunes during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
As per Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, as shared by Sport Witness, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Sporting CP’s star midfielder Matheus Nunes.
The Lowdown: Nunes in demand…
Spurs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old who has been really impressing this season under manager Ruben Amorim.
Nunes, standing out as one of Sporting’s most threatening players in Liga NOS, has completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any player in their squad (2.3) whilst attracting the second-most fouls on average (WhoScored).
Proving a real menace for defenders abroad, the young star has attracted interest from Tottenham and a host of Premier League sides, with managing director Fabio Paratici even sending officials to run the rule over him back in February (O Jogo via Sport Witness).
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Now, O Jogo (via SW) bring an update as Spurs make pre-summer contact in the form of an approach.
The Latest: Tottenham contact made…
Indeed, according to their sources, the Lilywhites have ‘already enquired’ over Nunes, who has a €60 million (£50m) release clause in his contract running till 2026.
However, O Jogo claim that Sporting are willing to sell for less than that as they set a price of ‘at least €40m (£34m)’ for any interested club to sign Nunes.
The Verdict: Make the move?
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has again suggested that the club need to match his ambition if the Italian is to remain in charge.
Bearing this in mind, signing a player of Nunes’ calibre could be a real statement of intent, especially considering Premier League champions Man City also have the bright number 8 on their list of targets.
Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola has also lavished praise on Nunes following his side’s 5-0 demolition of Sporting in the Champions League last 16.
The Spaniard even branded him ‘one of the best players in the world’, a huge statement by one of Europe’s most elite bosses.
As Sporting are willing to part with Nunes for less than his £50m clause, it appears Tottenham could have a real chance to make an ambitious move this summer.
In other news: Tottenham official travels to club as Conte now eyes ’emerging superstar’ with Son’s agent! Find out more here.
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