Manchester City are aware of interest from Atlético Madrid in Matheus Nunes but the Spanish side are yet to make a formal approach for the midfielder, a source has told ESPN.

Nunes has only been at the Etihad Stadium for a year after his £53 million ($70m) move from Wolves last summer.

The 25-year-old has struggled for opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s team prompting Atlético’s interest. Nunes’ prospects of regular football have been reduced further by the return of Ilkay Gündogan.

City are yet to make a final decision on his future, but as things stand they have not ruled out his departure before Friday’s deadline.

The Portugal international has only played one minute of City’s first two games of the season against Chelsea and Ipswich Town.

Nunes made 28 appearances in all competitions last season but only started seven Premier League games.

A source has told ESPN that Atlético would prefer a season-long loan deal with the option to make the move permanent next summer.

Atlético have already signed forward Julián Álvarez from City this window after agreeing a £81m deal earlier this month. The LaLiga side have also signed midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea for £33m.