Manchester United have been linked with a number of players over the past several months, with the Red Devils expected to make a few signings in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Most of these rumoured targets have been with centre-backs, strikers, defensive midfielders or wingers. But now, the club are being linked with a full-back as well.
Nuno Mendes is a left-back currently playing at Sporting Lisbon. Despite being just 18 years of age, he has managed to establish himself in the first-team already, making 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once and assisting twice in the process of doing so.
Mendes is believed to have a €70 million release clause in his contract. As reported by The Sun, Manchester United are long-term admirers of the player. But Real Madrid and Manchester City are also interested in his signature. As reported by AS, Pep Guardiola’s side have even made an approach regarding a possible move.
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Do Manchester United need another left-back?
It is hard to see why the club would want another left-back at this point of time though. Luke Shaw has been in sensational form and might very well be the best left-back in the Premier League right now.
Behind him, they have some very capable back-up in the form of Alex Telles, who arrived last summer. Thus, left-back is not a position that the club need immediate reinforcements in at this point of time.
But then, a club like United always looks to improve in every possible way that they can. And if they view Mendes as an unmissable prospect, then it would not be a surprise for them to try and sign him even as early as next summer despite having Shaw and Telles in their ranks.
The club also have a brilliant history of signing players from Sporting Lisbon, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Bruno Fernandes making the Old Trafford switch to great success in the past. And the Red Devils might be looking to repeat the trick with Mendes.