Man City narrow midfielder shortlist to two as Guardiola green lights second offer for Wolves star

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola Credit: Alamy
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola Credit: Alamy

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a second offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Nunes as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his midfield.

A serious injury to Kevin de Bruyne has forced the Cityzens into the transfer market for a new centre-mid.

West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta was thought to be their primary target but the negotiations have collapsed with the Brazilian under investigation for alleged betting breaches.

Nunes has now emerged as Man City’s top transfer target. The 24-year-old has made 41 appearances for Wolves so far, scoring one goal and making one assist.

He has the ability to play as a defensive or attacking midfielder, so could provide cover in several positions for Man City this season.

As reported by Football365, Man City have already seen one bid worth £47m rejected by Wolves. Nunes is under contract until 2027 with the option for another year, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell him this summer.

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According to The Telegraphthe Cityzens will definitely make an improved offer for Nunes but it is unclear at this stage how far they are willing to go.

Reports suggest Wolves will demand a bid in excess of £60m for Nunes. Man City initially put down £60m for Paqueta, so they definitely have the resources to pull off a deal for Nunes.

He isn’t the only player Guardiola is considering as an alternative to Paqueta, though.

Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze is also on Man City’s transfer shortlist.

The Premier League champions are reportedly ‘weighing up a move’ for Eze, who ‘has been on City’s radar for the last six months after senior scouts were left heavily impressed by his control of games for the Eagles’.

The 25-year-old scored an impressive 10 goals and made four assists in 38 Premier League appearances last season, so it’s no surprise to see top European clubs vying for his signature.

Crystal Palace will only consider offers in the region of £70m for Eze, though, so Man City will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal done.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if they come in for Eze if they fail to secure a deal for Nunes in the next couple of days.

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The article Man City narrow midfielder shortlist to two as Guardiola green lights second offer for Wolves star appeared first on Football365.com.