West Ham have reportedly seen their bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes, who’s a player in the sights of Chelsea.
According to The Guardian, Premier League side West Ham have submitted an offer of £25million to sign Nunes.
It is understood Portuguese giants Sporting have turned down the bid, though.
The report explains the central midfielder has a whopping £51million release clause in his current contract. Sporting won’t listen to offers below the £42million mark, though.
Apparently, Chelsea have “extensively” scouted the 23-year-old star.
West Ham bid for Nunes rejected
It sounds like the Hammers will need to significantly improve their bid to tempt Sporting into letting go of a key player during this summer transfer window.
The Portugal international was a real talisman for his club last season, scoring four goals and making five assists in 50 games across all competitions.
He’s got experience of representing his country, as well as playing in the Champions League.
Sporting’s success rate of producing future stars is incredibly high, so will Nunes end up following that trend?
Incidentally, it’s worth highlighting that Nunes’ name reportedly came up in conversation last month between Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly and super agent Jorge Mendes.
Focus on De Jong
Based off rumours, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is the midfielder Chelsea are more likely to sign this summer over an alternative target like Nunes. It’s his name that’s appearing most frequently in the transfer rumour mill when it comes to potential midfield arrivals.
The Blues are reportedly trying to negotiate a deal for 25-year-old star De Jong.
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