Manchester United are reportedly set to battle Manchester City for the signature of Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes.
The Portugal international has impressed in his homeland and has also been linked with Newcastle United and Wolves.
Arsenal included in five Premier League deals that seem as predictable as Matic’s Mourinho reunion
He has made 99 appearances for Sporting, including 50 across all competitions in 2021/22.
As per Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), Manchester United have ‘joined the race’ for Nunes and will compete with their city rivals for him.
The Red Devils are looking to bring in midfield reinforcements this summer, especially after the departures of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.
It is said that United believe Nunes has a ‘big margin of progression’ and could prioritise him should they fail in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
However, City have a ‘good relationship’ with Sporting having recently negotiated a deal for Pedro Porro. Not that United don’t, after striking deals for Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo in the past.
Nunes has a €60m release clause but could be bought for €50m plus a player on loan from either Manchester outfit, the report adds.
Elsewhere, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is ‘seducing’ Frenkie de Jong with his project at the Premier League club, according to Spanish publication Sport.
It is understood that Barcelona and United are ‘very close to reaching’ a deal and De Jong ‘could pack his bags’ this summer.
Many reports elsewhere still suggest that the Dutch midfielder is not convinced as he wants to play Champions League football, something he will not be offered at Old Trafford.
Barca seem open to selling the player for around £68m as they desperately look to raise funds amidst their financial crisis.
De Jong and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax and were a part of the team that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
