Pranav Nair
Manchester United face AC Milan threat in the race for Nuno Mendes
According to Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t Mirror), Manchester United will face competition from AC Milan for Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old left-back has already made 14 first-team appearances for Sporting Lisbon. He also scored his first professional goal in the Primeira Liga earlier this month.
Mendes’ performances have drawn the attention of some of the continent’s elite. The likes of Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool are all currently monitoring his progress.
AC Milan are now the latest team to enter the fray. The Italians are currently on top of Serie A after winning all four of their games so far.
According to the report, Mendes dreams of playing in the Premier League in the future. He recently signed a new contract at Sporting CP that includes a €45million release clause.
While the fee is steep for a teenager, it could also be a fair reflection of his potential.
United have a good relationship with Sporting, having brought a number of players from them over the years. The latest recruit was the impressive Bruno Fernandes.
It remains to be seen if United will employ Fernandes in a charm offensive to attract Mendes to Old Trafford.
Mendes joined Sporting Lisbon in 2015 for just £680. He has now blossomed into one of the finest young talents on the continent. Sporting could be set for a financial windfall if the player goes to auction.
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United signed promising duo Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri on deadline day earlier this month. Adding Mendes to the list of talents at the club could give us a potentially special batch of players coming through.
Whether we will be able to beat off competition for the player’s signature remains to be seen. If it happens Mendes will join the likes of Ronaldo, Nani, and Fernandes who have all made the step up from Sporting to United.
