Liverpool scouts like what they see as Reds reignite interest in Wolves star; Lage sacking could help

A report claims Liverpool scouts have been impressed by Matheus Nunes since his summer move to the Premier League and are preparing to go after him again in 2023.

Liverpool pursued Nunes in the recent transfer window, while he was still at Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon. A switch to Anfield was the midfielder’s preference, and he delayed transfer talks with Wolves as a result.

However, a Liverpool bid never came about. Due to this, Nunes joined Wolves on a five-year contract in August. The transfer cost Wanderers £42.2million, making Nunes their record signing.

The 24-year-old made his Wolves debut in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on August 20, playing a full 90 minutes. He has gone on to play seven times in all competitions, registering one assist.

Nunes, who was born in Brazil but plays for Portugal, has adapted well to the Premier League and looks set to become a vital player in the Wolves midfield.

However, the west Midlands outfit may struggle to keep him away from some of England’s biggest clubs.

According to a recent report from the Daily Express, who cite the Sunday Mirror, Liverpool and Manchester City are preparing to battle it out for his signature.

Liverpool have kept an eye on Nunes since his arrival in England and have been impressed by his top displays, which has seen them reignite their interest in him.

City, meanwhile, have been potential suitors for the nine-cap Portugal international ever since Pep Guardiola called him ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ last season.

Matheus Nunes an alternative to Bellingham

Liverpool’s ideal midfield capture would be Borussia Dortmund and England ace Jude Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of his.

However, Liverpool are wary of being drawn into a bidding war for the 19-year-old. And with Dortmund holding out for at least £130m, chiefs at Anfield are hunting for alternative midfielders.

Nunes is an option, alongside Brighton star Moises Caicedo, Konrad Laimer of RB Leipzig and Nunes’ Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves.

Wolves will not want Nunes to leave for Liverpool after signing him so recently. They will want to get a couple of seasons out of him before allowing him to join one of the Prem’s biggest teams.

This will see them give Nunes a huge price tag, in an attempt to ward Klopp’s side off. However, recent uncertainty at Molineux could aid Liverpool’s pursuit of the player.

Wolves have sacked Bruno Lage following the 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday. This put them in the relegation zone on just six points from eight matches.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “Bruno is an excellent coach, a hardworking and dedicated manager, and a warm, wise and honest man.

“He and his staff have been a pleasure to work with throughout their time at Wolves, so it is with much sadness that we have had to make what has been a difficult decision.

Lage departure might give Liverpool boost in Nunes chase

“I honestly have no doubts about Bruno’s ability, and I’m sure he will succeed elsewhere, however the team’s form and performances over the last few months mean that we have no choice but to act.

“On behalf of everyone at Wolves, I would like to place on record our gratitude to Bruno and his coaching team for all their efforts during their time with the club, and wish them the very best for the future.”

The sacking means Wolves are on the search for Lage’s replacement. And it could mean they lose Nunes, too.

Wolves’ new manager might need transfer funds to make the squad his own. As such, Wolves could sell Nunes to Liverpool to allow them to bring in several players for the new boss.

Meanwhile, one pundit thinks Klopp has no faith in a recent Liverpool signing, which explains his lack of minutes against Brighton.