Pranav Nair
Manchester City earmark funds for Manchester United target Nuno Mendes
According to A Bola (h/t Express), Manchester United have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old can play anywhere along the left flank and has emerged as a key first-team player for Sporting this season. He played a key role in the Portuguese giants’ run to the Primeira Liga title, their first in 19 years.
Mendes also got a call up for the Portugal squad for this summer’s Euros – a just reward for his incredible season. His performances have not been lost on Europe’s big clubs with a number of them keeping tabs on his progress.
Despite having both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, United are keen to strengthen their left-back slot. Mendes is seen as a major contender who will enhance our abilities in the position.
Unfortunately, Manchester City are also keen on the player and appear to have already readied the money needed to sign him. The youngster has a £60.25m buy-out clause and Sporting are refusing to budge on the amount.
As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s side is in the driving seat and have already readied £60m to bring in the player.
City are keen to strengthen their squad after losing in the Champions League final last season. According to the report, they already appear to have a protocol with Sporting to facilitate the movement of players between both the clubs.
This could very well give them the edge in the race to land Mendes this summer.
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The youngster’s future will only be decided after the Euros and there is still time for enough twists and turns in the saga. Mendes and Bruno Fernandes share the same agent and it remains to be seen if United can use it to their advantage.
