Everton hold talks with Sporting Lisbon as they eye swoop for Matheus Nunes… and Portuguese side are open to loan deal with obligation for £20m permanent move for 22-year-old approached by Newcastle in January

The 22-year old Brazilian is a quick, skilful energetic player who likes to drive forward from midfield.

Newcastle have also followed him closely and made an approach to sign him in January.

Sporting are understood to be willing to accept a loan deal with obligation to make the move permanent for around £20m.

Nunes made 31 appearances for his club last season, but 19 of those came off the bench, as he notched three goals and two assists.

Although he is not a client of Jorge Mendes, it has been reported the player’s representatives have a good relationship with the super-agent.

Everton have been in talks to appoint Nuno Espírito Santo, whose agent is Mendes, as their new manager with discussions continuing over his backroom staff.

Preliminary work has begun on the site of Everton’s proposed new stadium in the Bramley-Moore dock area of Liverpool’s waterfront.