Manchester City ‘approach Sporting Lisbon over move for Nuno Mendes at Pep Guardiola’s request’

Manchester City want to get ahead of Real Madrid in the transfer race to sign Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Nuno Mendes, according to reports.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best up and coming left-backs in Europe and has already attracted scouts from elite clubs across the continent.

In an attempt to get ahead of the frenzy, Manchester City have reportedly approached Mendes at Pep Guardiola‘s request to initiate the negotiations.

Manchester City want to get ahead of Real Madrid in the transfer race to sign Nuno Mendes 

Mendes has played 24 times for Sporting since making his first-team debut back in June, scoring once and getting two assists.

He has not only established himself as their first-choice left-back this season, but he has the scope to convert to a central defender in the future.

The Portugal Under 21 international has many European admirers and according to AS, City are looking to get ahead of the competition for the 18-year-old and have already reached out to Sporting Lisbon. 

City will have to beat Real Madrid to his signature as the Spanish giants have identified the youngster as long-term successor to Marcelo – who is out of contract in 2022. 

Manchester City have approached Mendes at Pep Guardiola’s request to initiate negotiations

 The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the best up and coming left-backs in European football

Many believe this will be the long-serving defender’s final campaign, causing Zidane to look for suitable heir. 

City will not only have to fend off interest from Real Madrid, but also English top-flight clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United.

Liverpool reportedly made an offer of £19million for the left-back in the winter window, which was rejected by Sporting, who would have accepted £40m.

While Manchester United have also registered their interest in the teenager despite only signing Alex Telles last summer.