After over eight years of exceptional service, club captain Fernandinho bid a fond farewell to the Etihad Stadium faithful a few weeks back.
His exit has subsequently triggered the need for Manchester City to recruit a replacement defensive midfielder to compete with Rodri for the starting spot. So far, the Blues have been linked with the likes of West Ham United's Declan Rice and Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips.
The Brazilian's leader may never be replaced, but there definitely is a range of talented options available around Europe for Pep Guardiola to choose from - including Sporting CP's Matheus Nunes.
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The 23-year-old has enjoyed a real break-out season in Portugal, making 33 appearances in the league and six in the Champions League.
Manchester City fans will remember watching the midfielder quite closely when the two sides met in the last-16 stage. Despite losing 5-0 in the first leg, Nunes was impressive from the base of midfield and caught the eye quite quickly.
Now, City have been linked with bringing him to Manchester, but are set to face stiff competition from their cross-town rivals, Manchester United.
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As reported by Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manhã, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United have 'joined the race' for his signature and are set 'to battle' with Pep Guardiola's side this summer.
With multiple departures at Old Trafford, United are looking to strengthen in a massively depleted midfield department, and new manager Erik ten Hag has seemingly sounded out Matheus Nunes as a potential reinforcement.
The report adds that Manchester City are ahead in the race due to their current 'good relationship' with Sporting, but Manchester United's previous dealings regarding Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo means it is not a huge gap.
Nunes has a €60 million release clause, but a deal worth €50 million plus a player on loan in the opposite direction would push a move through.
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Sporting CP, Transfers
Harry Siddall