Liverpool are more likely to try and sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes than they are his teammate, Ruben Neves.
That’s according to GOAL journalist Neil Jones, speaking on The Redmen TV recently.
Discussing the Reds’ chances of landing Neves at Anfield, the reporter suggested that this remains an unlikely prospect.
“I think he’s a good player, he’s a really good footballer. You’re right though, I’m not sure about the fit, he’s a deep-lying player and a range passer, but Liverpool use Trent and the centre-backs for that range of play,” Jones said.
“His agent is Jorge Mendes, but I think Matheus Nunes is a more live target in that sense. Neves feels like someone like James Ward-Prowse or Wilfried Zaha where he has been at his club for a bit too long. It feels like this summer is the summer where he has got to move and he’s done enough time at Molineux.”
Jones added: “I haven’t heard anything. I’ve asked about Neves in the past but not particularly recently,” he reiterated.
“But he’s obviously been a name that whenever Liverpool are suddenly linked with midfielders, he does [come up].
“I’ve always been given this sort of not for us, you know, in the past that is.
“But we’ll see. Listen, if Wolves it go down and he’s going to go somewhere, you’d imagine [he’d be] cheap with a year left on his deal.”
Liverpool more likely to sign Nunes than Neves
As it stands, this is probably a better call on Liverpool’s behalf.
Although Neves has established himself as a brilliant defensive midfielder in the Premier League, he isn’t the first profile needed through the door at Anfield.
Despite runs of poor form this season, Fabinho is expected to remain on Merseyside and play a part in the Liverpool team next season.
Alongside the Brazilian, 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic has emerged as the hottest prospect at the club. Since coming into the first-team, he has been absolutely exceptional – and there’s no reason why he won’t be again next year.
Therefore, with the number six position somewhat covered, Liverpool need to prioritise ball runners and number eights/tens.
With this in mind, Nunes is an excellent option. Having been tracked by the Merseyside outfit for a while now, Klopp understands the midfielder’s profile.
Expected to be available for £44m this summer, this is a far more realistic transfer for Liverpool fans to expect.