Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to a report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Signed by Primeira Liga side Estoril in 2018 from Portuguese minnows Ericeirense, Nunes continued on a pathway to stardom when making a switch to Sporting just six months later.

Since then, the Brazil-born star has directly contributed to 15 goals in 99 outings, lifting the Portuguese League Cup twice, the domestic cup once and the top-flight title in 2020/21.

With the future of Ruben Neves in doubt at Molineux beyond this transfer window, Bruno Lage now appears to have set his sights on an international teammate as a possible replacement...

The latest: Wanderers named

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Wolves and Fosun are 'ready to bet big' on Nunes this summer and have even made an approach already.

It's claimed that the Midlands club, Newcastle United and Everton all have an interest in the eight-cap Portugal ace whilst Manchester Cty have also recently been linked.

The report also states that Sporting have 'refused an approach' worth €45million (£39million) from an unnamed Premier League outfit for the 23-year-old heralded as 'one of the best players in the world' by Pep Guardiola following a UEFA Champions League round 16 tie in 2020.

The verdict: At all costs

Already heavily indexed to Joao Palhinha, Wolves are rightly wasting little time in planning for life after the hotly sought-after Neves.

During 2021/22, Nunes scored five times and registered four assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, earning a 6.98 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.5 duels on average per league game in the process, illustrating a combative prowess to accompany an eye for goal.

Even at the mooted €60million (£51.5million) asking price, signing the renowned Portuguese playmaker would be a worthwhile move from the Wanderers hierarchy regardless of what happens with Neves, Palhinha and Joao Moutinho alike as Lage and Fosun look to develop the squad further and take the club to the next level.

In other news… Wolves are reportedly in negotiations to sign an exciting new striker.