Frustrated Man City star's future 'in serious doubt' after Liverpool showed interest

Matheus Nunes’ manchester City future is hanging in the balance following Ilkay Gundogan’s surprise return to the club.

The 33-year-old German star re-joined the English champions this week on a free transfer from Barcelona, after his stint at the Nou Camp ended abruptly within just a year.

This unexpected comeback spells trouble for Nunes, pushing him further down the pecking order. The Portuguese international, who joined 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.

According to today’s Daily Star, Newcastle have been keeping tabs on 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 monitoring developments, 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 minutes and would welcome the chance to revive his career with a move to another Premier League team.

If he expresses a desire to leave, City boss Guardiola will not block his departure.

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.

Over the summer, City have already let go of Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Sergio Gomez, Tommy Doyle, Micah Hamilton and Yan Couto.

Further departures are expected before Friday’s deadline, with Nunes and his fellow countryman Joao Cancelo likely to be among those leaving.