Declan Walsh

Thu 7 July 2022 8:10, UK

Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes has rejected an offer from Everton as he’s holding out for a move by a top Premier League club, according to O Jogo.

The Portuguese newspaper reported via their print edition on Thursday (7 July, page 7) that Sporting are open to offers for Nunes, 23, but the Brazil-born Portugal international has so far turned down Everton, Newcastle and Wolves.

Chelsea have been linked with the central midfield ace but it is understood the London club are not in pursuit of his signature.

O Jogo adds that Sporting are willing to cash in on Nunes to take the total of their player sales this summer to €100million (£85.3million).

Move on

If Nunes thinks he’s too good to play for the likes of Everton, then let’s leave him where he is in Portugal.

Firstly, it looks as though it’ll cost a lot to sign the Portugal international.

O Jogo reported on their printed version (25 June, page 7) that the Blues tabled an offer of over £34million for the central midfielder, who has a £51million release clause.

Whether or not Sporting CP would accept an offer lower than the midfielder’s release clause is a moot point if the player himself isn’t interested in a move to Goodison Park.

Secondly, why would we want a player who thinks he’s too good for us?

While we were in a relegation battle last season, Nunes’ attitude towards Wolves – a club with a track record of improving Portuguese players – and Newcastle – who have all the money in the world – suggests that he’s aiming too high and there’s a sense of delusion about him.

Players from overseas cannot expect to move to the big six clubs in the Premier League all the time. Sometimes you have to work your way up by joining clubs like Everton.

Richarlison is a good example as he’s rising through the ranks of Premier League clubs with Watford, Everton and now Tottenham.

Some players need a reality check.