Matheus Nunes has stopped training with Wolves and asked to leave the club amid interest from Manchester City, according to David Ornstein.
City want to sign Nunes before the summer transfer market closes on Friday night, but have allegedly had an offer worth €55million (£47million) rejected by Wolves for the player. The Molineux club are reportedly determined to stand firm unless a proposal meets their valuation.
Pep Guardiola's side are eager to add to their midfield having seen Ilkay Gundogan depart for Barcelona this summer and Kevin De Bruyne pick up a hamstring injury which required surgery. The influential Belgian could be out of action for up to four months.
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Nunes is now attempting to force a move from the club, and according to The Athletic's Ornstein, will face disciplinary action over his absence.
Wolves intend to bring the 25-year-old back into their squad after the window shuts unless a deal can be struck before then.
Nunes only signed for Wolves from Sporting last summer in a deal worth £42million. The midfielder is under contract at Molineux until 2027, with an option for a further 12 months.
City turned their attention to Nunes after their effort to sign West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta was derailed by an FA investigation over potential betting breaches.
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Sky Sports claim that Wolves are holding out for £60million for the Nunes, despite his disappointing start to the season. The Portugal international featured in Wolves' 1-0 defeat at Manchester United and was then sent off in the 4-1 home loss to Brighton.
Nevertheless Guardiola has long been an admirer of Nunes. Indeed, in February last year, when City came up against Sporting in a Champions League knock-out tie, the Spaniard said: "Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today."
Nunes has since shown glimpses of his quality at Wolves, having netted a superb volley against Chelsea last season. However that remains his only goal for the club.
Topics: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City, Transfers, Football
Chris Byfield