Manchester United could force Inter Milan to step up their interest in Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy by allowing Alex Telles to join Roma on loan, per Fabrizio Romano.
Jose Mourinho is desperate for Roma to strengthen in the position after losing Leonardo Spinazzola for several months. The 28-year-old required surgery after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Italy’s 2-1 win over Belgium at Euro 2020.
Roma would like Telles to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico to fill Spinazzola’s void in Mourinho’s first season in charge. But Manchester United are currently against the idea of a temporary deal for the Brazilian, who they only signed from Porto for an initial £13.5m last October.
Romano expects Roma will try and convince Manchester United to loan them Telles in the next few days, nonetheless. And the Red Devils warming to a deal for the 28-year-old could see Inter Milan be forced to target Manchester City defender Mendy this summer.
Reports by Corriere dello Sport earlier this month suggested the Nerazzurri are interested in both Mendy and Telles. The Serie A champions want to sign a new left-back to add depth to Simone Inzaghi’s squad after parting with Ashley Young.
Mendy’s stock could rise considerably on Inter’s shortlist if Telles is no longer an option. The Telegraph also noted in May that Manchester City are open to parting with the Frenchman for suitable offers. But accept that his wage and injury record will pose sizable problems.
The 26-year-old featured just 13 times, starting 11, in the Premier League last season. He is also now in the final two years of his £90,000-per-week contract, signed when bought from Monaco for £52m in 2017 – which was the world-record fee for a defender at the time.
Manchester United decision could impact Mendy future at Manchester City
Manchester United warming to Telles joining Roma on loan could have a big impact on Mendy’s future at Manchester City. Few clubs are likely to step forward to sign the 10-cap full-back given his horrendous injury problems. While his wage may also be a big issue.
Inter Milan, then, may emerge as Manchester City’s best hope at offloading Mendy this summer if they cannot sign Telles. Yet the Nerazzurri have issues of their own to sign the full-back financially, despite selling Achraf Hakimi for £52m.
So, if Manchester United deny Roma a loan deal for Telles or Inter Milan cannot afford Mendy, Pep Guardiola will hope to see the defender step up at Manchester City next season. The Citizens boss has been full of praise previously, stating via Goal in 2020:
“He has a special quality with his energy. The quality for Benjamin is to go outside, but Mendy is also learning to go inside too. It’s about being fit. He loves playing football. He plays without pressure – he’s a guy who handles pressure really well.”
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