Another Man City transfer facing collapse, as Prem rival reject record-setting deal

Manchester City have seen a sizeable bid for a Premier League midfielder rejected, and one source suggests Pep Guardiola might now admit defeat in the chase.

Man City were attempting to add a new creative midfielder to their ranks even before Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury. Indeed, personal terms were reportedly agreed with West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta earlier in August.

However, despite Sky Sports reporting an £80m deal had been agreed in principle, an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches quickly torpedoed the move. The incidents coming under the microscope can be found here.

Reports have suggested City could reignite the swoop in January, though that’ll do nothing for Guardiola in the here and now.

As such, City quickly turned their attention elsewhere, with Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) and Matheus Nunes (Wolves) emerging in their sights.

To that end, both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein reported Man City tabled a hefty £47m bid for Wolves’ 24-year-old Portugal international.

A deal worth £47m would match Ruben Neves’ exit to Al Hilal as Wolves’ most expensive transfer of all time. But per Sky Sports, Wolves have turned the bid down.

Fabrizio Romano provided his take on what’s next, suggesting talks between Man City and Wolves are continuing.

However, Sky offered a slightly different view when keen to point out City have repeatedly shown they’re not afraid to walk away from blockbuster transfers if deeming the fees involved excessive.

Abandoned moves for the likes of Harry Maguire and Declan Rice, to name just two, are high profile examples of City refusing to overspend.

As such, all eyes are now on whether City return with an improved bid for Nunes or declare enough is enough.

If they take the second route, a move for Palace ace Eze could be explored.