Liverpool transfer news: FSG learn cost to sign classy Premier League midfielder as Chelsea join pursuit

Liverpool have found out how much they will have to pay to sign Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, although Chelsea look set to rival them for his services.

Nunes moved to the Premier League in August 2022 by joining Wolves from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year contract. He became Wolves’ record signing as they paid an initial £38million for him, plus an extra £4.2m in potential add-ons.

Nunes made his Premier League debut in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on August 20. He struggled to replicate his impressive Sporting form in the early parts of the season, although this is partly down to the whole Wolves side performing badly.

Bruno Lage was sacked on October 3 and replaced by Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard is tasked with turning things around at Molineux and helping to drag Wanderers away from the relegation zone.

If he succeeds, then Nunes will be one of several players to benefit. He should be able to get back to his classy best.

One problem for Wolves is that their summer signing is picking up interest from some major teams. Liverpool are looking at Nunes as a potential solution to their midfield woes.

And according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Chelsea have joined Jurgen Klopp’s side in the chase of Nunes’ signature.

Blues chiefs have drawn up a four-man list of potential midfield additions. Nunes is on there along with Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana.

Chelsea eye Liverpool-linked star as Enzo Fernandez alternative

Chelsea are looking at those four Premier League options after admitting defeat in the pursuit of Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who would cost a whopping £105m to sign.

The report states that any move for Nunes, from Liverpool or Chelsea, will come in the summer. And Wolves have set their price tag early.

It is claimed Wolves will demand £55m for the Brazil-born Portugal international. This would see them make a profit of around £13m on him after just one year in the West Midlands.

This sum would be enough to help Wolves land a high-quality replacement. They have already brought in Mario Lemina from Nice and are now targeting Flamengo ace Joao Gomes.

It is now up to Liverpool and Chelsea to decide whether Nunes is worth £55m. This is a lot of money to spend on a player who has just one year of experience playing in England.

However, Nunes is expected to have a solid second half of the season and this could convince Liverpool and Chelsea scouts.

It is likely Liverpool will firm up their interest in him and send Wolves an offer if their hunt for Jude Bellingham falls through. The Dortmund star is leaning towards an Anfield move, although Real Madrid are also on his trail.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are prioritising a move for Brighton’s Caicedo as things stand. He will cost between £65-70m, however. So should Chelsea decide this fee is over inflated, they may just swoop in for Nunes instead.

Wolves supporters will hope Nunes stays, at least for one more campaign. But joining Liverpool or Chelsea is a big opportunity, and it would potentially allow him to return to European competition. Therefore, it would be harsh to judge him for going.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have also been given a great opportunity to snare a top-class Barcelona man.