Man City midfielder set for exit as Premier League boss opens up on £53m sale

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has opened up about the sale of Matheus Nunes to Manchester City in a deal worth £53m.

The City decision to sign another midfielder was made after Kevin De Bruyne sustained a long-term hamstring injury that could keep him out of action until the new year.

Meanwhile, City midfielder Tommy Doyle, 21, is set to go the other way.

Wolves boss O’Neil said: "Including players coming the other way and some of the add-ons, the valuation is around where the club would have considered it to be. We are fairly happy with where it has got to and it gives us the opportunity to also strengthen the group.”

The Wolves boss was also asked about Nunes going on strike in a bid to force a move. He added: "The situation is resolved because he is joining Manchester City. If he were rejoining the group, I would have told him how I felt but the situation as far as I am aware is basically done so there is no need for me to comment on how I feel about Matheus Nunes or the way the last week went.

“Whenever I dealt with him before the situation came up, he was a great lad, worked hard, wanted to do his best for the team and the club. And then, obviously, a big club come calling and you understand that players like to play for Manchester City.

“Would I have dealt with it the same way? I wouldn’t. But I would rather save those conversation for Matheus and I to have privately. We move on.”

Doyle has agreed to move in the opposite direction on a year-long loan, with a £5m option for Wolves to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. As part of that arrangement, a significant sell-on percent of any future transfer has been agreed. Wolves are also set to pay all of the young midfielder's wages.

O'Neil added: "He had a really good season last year with Sheffield United. He is a talented boy, well educated football-wise, obviously, coming through the academy at Manchester City.

“He will be good to help with the structure and in terms of how we play."