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    Pep Guardiola clarifies Matheus Nunes' role at Man City amidst growing interest from Liverpool and Chelsea

    By Harry Pratt & Ben Husband,

    22 hours ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0qNBwp_0v9ZNQdk00

    The future of Matheus Nunes at Manchester City is in doubt following the unexpected return of Ilkay Gundogan, with Liverpool among those showing interest.

    Gundogan made a surprise comeback to the English champions on a free transfer from Barcelona earlier this week, after his stint at the Nou Camp ended abruptly within just a year. This could spell trouble for Nunes , pushing him further down the pecking order.

    Nunes, a Portuguese international who transferred to City from Wolves last year in a £54million deal, has struggled to make an impact under Pep Guardiola, managing only 17 league appearances last season.

    Newcastle have been monitoring his situation, but can only offer a loan deal at this stage of the window. Liverpool and Chelsea showed interest earlier in the window, and now West Ham and Everton are also keeping tabs, with a loan offer and £40m option to buy being the most likely package.

    Despite rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old former Sporting star is frustrated with his lack of game time and would welcome the chance to revive his career with a move to another Premier League team. And as seen with players like Julian Alvarez, he won't stand in the way of those looking to leave, reports the Mirror .

    Guardiola, the Spanish manager, acknowledges that he can't promise Nunes anything more than a minor role this season, a situation made worse by the return of City's Treble-winning captain Gundogan.

    City have waved goodbye to several players this summer, including Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips, with more departures expected as the transfer window nears its end on Friday. Nunes and Joao Cancelo are tipped to be next in line for an exit.

    Despite a quiet transfer period in terms of new faces, with Savinho joining alongside Gundogan, City have kicked off their season robustly, boasting two victories and netting six goals.

    Pep Guardiola has hinted that further signings are improbable before the window shuts next Friday, barring unforeseen injuries or a surprise market opportunity. "I don't know what's going to happen, maybe something happens in terms of injuries hopefully not or the market provides something unexpected that financially suits, or tactically."

    Mateo Kovacic was forced to leave the pitch during the triumph over Ipswich at The Etihad Stadium, while Rodri is yet to return post-Euro 2024. On Kovacic's condition, Guardiola commented: "I didn't speak with the doctors. I think it was a knock."

    Regarding Liam Delap's aggressive playstyle, Guardiola noted: "Liam Delap, we know from here, is so aggressive with that. We have six, seven days until the next game and we will see if he can recover."

    Liverpool stands as the only team in Europe's top five leagues yet to make a single signing, leaving Arne Slot eagerly awaiting the first new face of his Anfield era. A midfielder might be on the cards though, after a potential deal for Martin Zubimendi fell through when he chose to remain with Real Sociedad.

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