Matheus Nunes monitored by Liverpool scouts

Sporting Lisbon's Portugal international midfielder Matheus Nunes has been the subject of fierce interest this summer, and it is apparent that Liverpool are in pole position to complete a move for the 23-year-old Brazil-born player. Since arriving at Sporting in 2019, Nunes has gone on to appear in 74 Portuguese domestic league games, scoring six goals.

Nunes has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Thiago Alcantara, who alongside Jordan Henderson is on the wrong side of 30. Nunes could represent proven youth quality and potential.

The player is understood to hold a 45 million euro release clause, and the Anfield side are ready to match that in order to secure one of Europe's top midfield talents. So impressive has the player's performances been in recent times, that Man City manager Pep Guardiola labelled Nunes as "one of the best players in the world" after Guardiola's side defeated Sporting 5-0 in the Champions League.

Liverpool will likely have to battle with City and other interest from Italy, as Serie A champions AC Milan are also closely monitoring Nunes' transfer situation.