Big claims from Portugal - Newcastle now closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon star?

According to reports in Portugal, Sporting Lisbon's Matheus Nunes 'could be on the verge' of a summer move to St James' Park.

This comes from Portuguese newspaper Record, who have it as front page news today that Newcastle United are closing in on a deal for the 22-year-old midfielder.

While these big claims must be taken with an initial pinch of salt, it is worth noting that O Jogo - another paper in the region - reported back in January that we made a bid for the Brazilian.

They claimed that we were willing to pay a €1m loan fee for the Rio de Janeiro in a deal that would see us sign him for €12m this summer, however Sporting rejected as they were in touching distance of winning Liga NOS and didn't want to sell.

Nunes - a 6ft central midfielder who can also operate down the right - played 39 times for the Portuguese champions last season, bagging three goals and as many assists in that time.

One to watch given our prior interest and need for a new holding midfielder this summer - even if these bold claims from Portugal may be a tad premature.

Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE