Manchester City are preparing an improved bid for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, but are prepared to walk away if the price goes too high.
It was revealed on Thursday that Gary O’Neil’s side had rejected City’s opening £47million offer for the Portuguese star.
Kevin De Bruyne’s serious injury, coupled with the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona this summer, has left the Treble winners in need of another option in the middle of the park.
And Wolves’ Nunes – a standout performer during their recent defeat at Manchester United – has emerged as a target.
Pep Guardiola lavished the Portugal international with praise after City faced Sporting in the Champions League a year ago before he then made the switch to Molineux for £38m. The 24-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is currently organising Joao Cancelo’s departure from City to Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola wants another midfielder after losing Kevin De Bruyne to injury and Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona – and Nunes, 24, has emerged as one of City’s major targets
Guardiola’s side had been looking at West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, but have since abandoned their pursuit of the Brazil international after Mail Sport exclusively revealed he was being investigated for alleged betting breaches.
Nunes has undoubted talent – as demonstrated by City’s interest – but he has scored just one goal and added a single assist in 41 games for the west Midlands outfit since joining for a club-record fee last summer.
During Saturday’s dismal 4-1 defeat to Brighton, the midfielder was also sent off for two cheap yellow cards, with his second coming when he pushed both Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan to the floor.
However, losing Nunes would no doubt be another huge blow in what looks to be a stormy season ahead for Wolves, with the club having already lost a spate of high-profile players this summer.
Fulham signed striker Raul Jimenez for £5.5m, Ruben Neves joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a club-record £47m, Leicester picked up Conor Coady for £7.5m, and Brentford signed Nathan Collins for £23m.
The turmoil around Wolves has continued off the pitch, as well as on it.
Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager just days before the Premier League season after the Spanish boss resigned.
Lopetegui rescued the beleaguered side last season and guided them from bottom to 13th in the Premier League.
The 56-year-old had appeared discontent at the club this summer, admitting he had ‘no control’ over their transfer plans while claiming that they ‘need more players’.
Meanwhile, Mail Sport understands that Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is also being considered by the Treble winners.
The Palace midfielder has been on City’s radar for the last six months after senior scouts were left heavily impressed by his control of games for the Eagles.
