Manchester City are pushing to sign Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes – because he is cheaper than Eberechi Eze.
However, an opening bid of £47 million was rejected by Wolves.
City are set to make a late transfer window for a midfielder following Kevin de Bruyne’s injury, with Pep Guardiola identifying the Premier League duo as potential replacements.
Crystal Palace star Eze is understood to be his No.1 target, but City are unwilling to pay the £80million the Eagles are demanding to part with their prized asset.
That saw City move for a player that Guardiola had previously admired, believing they could do a deal with Wolves for a fee in the region of £55 million.
However, they should raise their first bid with Wolves willing to play hard ball after seeing the prices of other midfielders this summer, as well as City’s own £75 million bid to sign West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta before the deal was completed.
New Wolves boss Gary O’Neil doesn’t want to see Nunes go, but the club’s hierarchy could afford it.