Matheus Nunes has in effect gone on strike at Wolves after stopping training in a bid to force through a move to Manchester City. Wolves rejected City’s opening bid of around £47m for Nunes out of hand and are holding out for more than £60m.
City want to add to their midfield options after losing Kevin De Bruyne for about four months following hamstring surgery and quickly shifted their focus to Nunes after their move for Lucas Paquetá was derailed by a Football Association investigation into an alleged betting breach by the Brazilian this year.
Wolves are resolved to stand firm on their valuation of the 25‑year‑old Portugal midfielder, who was signed in a club-record deal worth £42m from Sporting last summer. Nunes, who was suspended for Wolves’ 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, is expected to face disciplinary action over his no-show at training. Wolves host Blackpool in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday.
City are yet to make an official second bid for Nunes but are determined to conclude a deal for the player swiftly. Wolves, however, remain in a strong position given Nunes is under contract until 2027. The club also hold a 12-month option on the player, who they plan to reintegrate into the first-team squad should City fail to meet their valuation.
Wolves are hopeful of adding to their squad before the transfer deadline on Friday but are constrained by financial fair play regulations. The club hold an interest in the City midfielder Tommy Doyle, the 21-year-old who impressed on loan at Sheffield United last season. They lost out on Alex Scott to Bournemouth after failing to reach his £25m asking price. Julen Lopetegui left the club before the start of the season over a lack of backing in the market.
Meanwhile, Fulham are set to confirm the signing of the Belgium full‑back Timothy Castagne from Leicester. Fulham are expected to pay in the region of £13m for the 27‑year‑old. Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho could also depart Leicester, who were relegated in May, before the deadline.
