Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United have reportedly been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes.
Both teams are among a number of clubs who are regarded as the most likely challengers to the top six in the Premier League ahead of 2022-23.
That has led to Wolves and the Magpies being linked with a number of high-profile additions, including that of Portugal international Nunes.
However, according to Footmercato, Sporting are prepared to play the long game in an effort to recoup the biggest fee possible for one of their star players.
The report claims that the Primeira Liga giants are holding out for a fee of €60m (£52.1m), the release clause present in Nunes's contract.
© Reuters
The 23-year-old has been with Sporting since 2019, making a total of 31 appearances in the top flight during 2020-21 as his club ended a prolonged wait to win the league title.
Nunes has remained as a regular in the starting lineup this campaign, featuring in the starting lineup on 37 occasions in Primeira Liga and Champions League fixtures.
With Nunes still having four years remaining on his contract, Sporting will not be forced into a sale this summer, particularly with Joao Palhinha already said to be on the brink of departing Estadio Jose Alvalade.
In recent days, it has been suggested that Wolves are attempting to sign both Nunes and Palhinha in a proposal which would be worth in the region of €60m.
However, it now appears that the West Midlands outfit may have to shell out that fee just to sign Nunes, something which will not happen until a resolution is found regarding the future of Ruben Neves.
© Reuters
Wolves allegedly want to receive upwards of £50m for the more-established Portugal international, but the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal are yet to come forward with such an offer.
That ongoing saga has the potential to delay Wolves' efforts to sign new players, something which could theoretically let in the likes of Newcastle.
Although the North-East side must stay within the FFP parameters this summer, Eddie Howe and the club's hierarchy are eager to make a statement in the transfer market.
Nunes - given his age and potential - will likely be regarded as the ideal addition, the added bonus being that he would complement January arrival Bruno Guimaraes in a new-look midfield.
Nevertheless, Newcastle, as well as Everton, could stay behind Wolves in the race for Nunes's signature, if reports in Portugal are to be believed, with the player said to be open to moving to Molineux.
Darren Plant
