Rumours linking Sporting Lisbon’s Matheus Nunes to Liverpool are ‘nonsense’, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.
Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha reported on Thursday morning that the Merseyside club were eyeing up Nunes as an alternative midfield option to long-term target Jude Bellingham.
This came just days after Fabrizio Romano broke news that the Reds had made an audacious request for Jude Bellingham, enquiring about the Englishman’s availability this summer.
With Borussia Dortmund adamant that they will not sell both Jude Bellingham and Erling Haalad, who joined Manchester City this summer, in the same window, reports suggested the Merseyside club had turned their attention to Sporting’s midfield star.
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However, the Athletic’s Liverpool correspondent, James Pearce, revealed that there was no substance behind these rumours, “Told that talk of LFC bid for Sporting’s Matheus Nunes is nonsense."
"Club’s stance unchanged regarding summer business. No plans to strengthen the midfield further in this window.”
The 23-year-old Portugal international has been touted as one of Europe’s hottest prospects and it was reported that Liverpool viewed him as a natural alternative to Bellingham, who could slot in nicely to what is an ageing Reds midfield.
However, Pearce’s definitive stance on this rumour perhaps strengthens the former Birmingham man’s links to Anfield once again.
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It’s widely expected that Liverpool will move for Bellingham next summer.
Having already added Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay to their squad this summer, it would appear Jurgen Klopp’s incoming business is now done.
The midfield would be the only area where any movement could be expected, but as Pearce claims, it would seem they’ll focus on this in 12 months time.
Indeed, next summer the Reds’ midfield will be in desperate need of being rebuilt.
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The likes of Thiago Alcantara, James Milner and Jordan Henderson are all on the wrong side of 30, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract will have expired.
The Bellingham to Liverpool move feels inevitable in 2023.
Alfie Culshaw