Mamelodi Sundowns’ latest offer for midfielder Matheus Leonardo Sales Cardoso better known as Matheusinho has been rejected, with Sport Recife unwilling to release the player.

Matheusinho is on loan at Sport Recife from Portuguese club Santa Clara. The loan includes an obligation to make the deal permanent.

iDiski Times reports that Sundowns submitted an improved bid of €1.7 million (R34.6 million) after an earlier €1.5 million (R30 million) offer was turned down. The new bid has also been rejected, with Recife not considering any proposals for the 27-year-old midfielder.

The South African transfer window closes in six days, leaving Sundowns little time to pursue the deal.

Recife plan to keep Matheusinho as they attempt to avoid relegation. The club is bottom of the Brasileirao Betano with 11 points from 21 matches, 12 points from safety.

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