Matheus Nunes: Report claims Leeds Utd make move to sign £42.7m star as Liverpool interest is clarified
Leeds United are reportedly engineering themselves to the front of the queue to sign Matheus Nunes after reports in Portugal claimed the Whites are leading the charge for the Sporting Lisbon star.
The Whites are gearing up for what they hope will be a more successful 2022/23 campaign. Leeds survived a nervy ending to the season, scraping Premier League safety only on the final day of the season. And the work for the new campaign started almost immediately with a deal for Brenden Aaronson put in place that very evening.
Since the American’s arrival, six other new signings have followed. And with the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Marc Roca all arriving, optimism is growing that Leeds can enjoy a more successful campaign.
That has taken Leeds’ summer spending close to the £95m. However, those deals have been underpinned by the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.
Next on the agenda for Leeds, though, is a new forward. To that end, their efforts to sign Charles De Ketelaere continue to bubble along after a day of talks saw Milan’s hopes falter.
However, as per Portuguese outlet Record, Leeds are also in the mix to sign Sporting star Nunes.
The midfielder is one of the most sought-after players in European football after a stunning season in Portugal.
The 23-year-old scored three times and added two assists last season as his side finished second.
Record claims Leeds have been tracking him since last season, despite their battle against relegation.
Now they state the Whites have made contact with the Portuguese giants to ask how much they would be willing to sell him for.
And as per the report, Sporting have reportedly told Leeds they will need ‘at least €50m’ (£42.7m) to land Nunes.
Wolves and Liverpool also linked with Matheus Nunes
Leeds are not the only club seemingly on his trail.
The Whites could potentially face competition from Liverpool and Wolves were they to launch a move.
Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been the side most strongly linked with his signature as they look to add another midfield option.
However, The Athletic’s James Pearce has completely dismissed the notion of Liverpool moving for Nunes this summer.
Instead, the Reds are more likely to save their cash for now and launch an assault to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield in 2023.
That, however, could open the door for other sides to bring in Nunes, should they meet Sporting’s asking price.
The Wolves’ connection is an obvious one with Jorge Mendes often setting up the Molineux men with the best Portuguese talents.
Record, though, believe it is Leeds – with cash in their pockets – who look the most likely to strike.
Leeds move appears unlikely
As much as it would prove an inspired signing, it appears unlikely that Leeds would splash out such sums on a new midfielder.
The Whites’ main focus before the window shuts is on a new left-back and for a much-needed striker.
Furthermore, with Leeds’ transfer record currently sitting at £26.9m paid for Rodrigo, it seems unlikely that a move for Matheus Nunes will be made.
In addition, a player of his quality will surely hold out for a bigger and better club. That’s not meant as a disrespect to Leeds, but Nunes is a player who will rightly feel he belongs in the Champions League.
How will Leeds fare in the Premier League next season without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips?
How will Leeds cope without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming campaign?
That is a competition he can play in just by staying put in the Portuguese capital.
To further dampen Leeds United prospects, Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has already made clear that he wants the player to stay. In addition, he has advised the player to wait for a ‘big club’ to come in for him, before he considers a move away.
