Liverpool are “preparing to start negotiations” with Sporting Lisbon about signing midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to the Correio da Manha.

The Portuguese newspaper claims that the Reds see the 23-year-old as a “priority” target and they are keen to enter talks over a potential transfer.

Sporting are said to have put a €50m (£43m) asking price on Nunes, with €45m (£38.5m) needed to be paid upfront, with another €5m (£4.3m) coming in the form of add-ons.

The Correio da Manha suggest that Wolves and Manchester City are the Portuguese international’s other main suitors but, interestingly, they don’t mention Chelsea, who were linked with the player last week.

Whether there is any truth to this story, it is up for debate. Initial reports about Liverpool’s interest in Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez did also start in Portugal, but the general feeling is that the Reds won’t make a move to sign a midfielder until next summer.