Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Matheus Nunes has turned down interest from other clubs this summer to remain in Portugal.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as the likes of Leeds, Wolves, Everton and Newcastle have all been linked with bids for the 23-year-old, but reports earlier this week had suggested that Amorim had persuaded the player to stay for another twelve months, and the Portuguese boss has now confirmed the story:

“I’m happy that Matheus Nunes is still here, I’m happy that Sporting’s players, such as Matheus Nunes, reject offers that would change their lives to stay at Sporting. This is my reality, I am very happy with my squad and my players are the best in the world.”

Sporting were reportedly willing to sell Nunes for around €50m (£42m), but it seems that Amorim’s intervention was key. As well as talking to Nunes, he appears to have also convinced the club’s president Frederico Varandas not to offload the player.

Whether Liverpool actually tabled a bid for the player at any stage, though, it is not known. From the sound of things, they will now likely wait until next year before going all in to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.