MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a battle with neighbours Man City for Sporting Lisbon whizkid Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old left-back is regarded as one of the rising stars in Europe with a number of elite scouts watching his every appearance.
Man City are trying to beat rivals United to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Nuno MendesCredit: Getty
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese ace, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoping he could provide competition for Luke Shaw after Alex Telles’ uninspiring start at Old Trafford.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are also known to have him on their radar.
But now AS claims City have ‘approached Mendes at Pep Guardiola’s request to initiate the negotiations’ over a summer transfer.
Mendes has played 24 times since making his Sporting debut in June and has scored once and produced two assists.
The talented teen has gone on to establish himself as first-choice left-back this term.
But it appears it is City who are attempting to usurp their rivals in the hunt to secure his services, with the left side of defence becoming a problem position in recent seasons.
Today’s report states they ‘have already reached out’ to Sporting.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also being linked with an interest in Mendes.
They reportedly had a £19million offer rejected for him during the winter window.
But this latest report states Sporting wanted over double that amount.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Solskjaer says Cavani could stay at Man Utd despite dad’s transfer bombshell and jokes summer heat will change his mind
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
