Record have reported that Matheus Nunes would have joined Everton had they appointed Nuno and not Rafael Benitez.
What’s the story?
It has been reported by the Portuguese publication that Nunes was close to joining Everton from Sporting Lisbon when it looked like Nuno was going to be the new manager of the Toffees.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss was reportedly in talks over taking charge of Everton.
However, the Portuguese has taken over at Tottenham Hotspur, while Everton have appointed Benitez as their new boss.
Record have reported that with Benitez now in charge of Everton, it is virtually impossible that the 22-year-old midfielder, described as “unbelievable” by Goncalo Santos – who played with Nunes at another Portuguese club, Estoril – as quoted in The Liverpool Echo in June 2021, will move to the Merseyside club.
Could a deal still happen?
The report does not make it clear exactly why Nunes is unlikely to join Everton now.
Perhaps a deal could still be done now.
After all, the summer transfer window is open for several more weeks.
Sporting clearly want to sell the 22-year-old midfielder, and if Everton remain keen on him, then both sides could come to the table again for negotiations.
The youngster made 12 starts and 19 substitute appearances in the Portuguese league last season.
Nunes scored three goals and gave two assists in those games.
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