BT Sport journalist Matt Smith has disputed reports that Liverpool have not yet made an effort to sign Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon.
After Portuguese publication Correrio de Manha suggested that the Reds had begun talks with Sporting over a deal for Nunes, Fabrizio Romano and the Athletic's James Pearce claimed that no such negotiations had taken place as of yet.
Transfer guru Romano rubbished the rumours, by tweeting: “No bid or negotiations for Matheus Nunes to Liverpool, as things stand. Nothing has changed around this deal.”
Meanwhile, Pearce said: “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.”
Advert
However, Smith believes the deal has legs and has produced conflicted reports from these two reputable journalists.
The BT Sport broadcaster tweeted:
Which reporting is accurate remains to be seen, but it would appear Liverpool at least hold a liking for this player.
It’s been suggested that Nunes could potentially arrive as an alternative midfield option to Jude Bellingham, who has been described as ‘untouchable’ by Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Merseyside club are understood to have made an enquiry about Bellingham’s availability, but Dortmund are adamant they will not sell both the Englishman and Erling Haaland, who joined Manchester City earlier this summer, in the same window.
Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool hierarchy are now expected to make their move for the former Birmingham man in 12 months time.
Nunes represents another highly rated young midfielder in Europe and the 23-year-old is reportedly the subject of interest from a host of top clubs.
The Portuguese international made 50 appearances across all competitions for Sporting last season, scoring four times.
He has also broken into the Portugal national team and is expected to feature at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Alfie Culshaw