Pep Guardiola leaves Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in no doubt over Matheus Nunes

Pep Guardiola believes Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes is "one of the best players in the world" amid rumours linking him with Liverpool.

The Portugal international, 23, has made a huge impression in his homeland since joining Sporting in January 2019. He's played 99 games for Ruben Amorim's side, helping them win the Portuguese title, two Portuguese Cups and the Portuguese Super Cup.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to hold talks with Sporting over a deal to sign Nunes, despite Jurgen Klopp telling reporters "there is no need for a new midfielder" earlier this month. Merseyside rivals Everton are also believed to be interested in Nunes.

Nunes certainly has plenty of admirers, including Guardiola. Following Manchester City's 5-0 Champions League victory against Sporting last season, the Spanish coach was keen to praise the losing side. The second leg of the last 16 tie finished goalless.

"Sporting are a fantastic team," said Guardiola. "They are the champions of Portugal, which have a very strong league... they change the ball well, they have fast and intelligent players. I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today."

Nunes, who was born in Brazil, made his debut for Portugal last September and is expected to be part of their squad for the World Cup. He was initially called up by Brazil but refused the invitation due to complications over travelling during the Covid pandemic.

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Liverpool have been linked with several central midfielders since the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Jude Bellingham is said to be on their transfer shortlist, but he's not expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Speaking earlier this month, Klopp said: "How I said, if nobody wants to leave - and no player came to me with that request yet and I don't expect it really, to be honest - there is no need for a new midfielder. We cannot just add on midfielders.

"We respect the contracts with our boys as well, that means as long as we signed them they get all our support - in training, between the sessions, during the games and between the games. That is the situation we have; really, you can count our midfielders."

The German's comments don't necessarily mean Liverpool won't sign a central midfielder before September. In January, the Reds weren't expected to enter the transfer market but signed Luis Diaz from Porto in the last few days of the window.

Klopp was particularly keen to highlight Harvey Elliott's growing role in the team. The England youth international, 19, made just 11 appearances last term due to a serious ankle injury but is expected to be a regular for Liverpool in the coming months.

Klopp added: "And, for me, Harvey Elliott is a new signing as well, after last season how he started. He is very young, came back brilliant, then had a little low, that is completely normal after being that long out. So, really excited about seeing him."