According to Calciomercato, Manchester City are in pole position to secure the signing of Sporting defender Nuno Mendes.
It’s claimed that Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli all like Mendes, but it’s City who lead the race for his signature.
Pep Guardiola seems to be keen on adding Mendes to his left back options for next season and City have an idea to bring the price tag down.
They have loaned right back Pedro Porro to Sporting for two years with an option to buy, and he could become key to the Mendes pursuit.
Sporting want the €70million (£60million) release clause in Mendes’ contract, but City could use Porro to try and negotiate that fee down this summer.
Mendes, 18, has played a key role in Sporting’s title pursuit this season, and City may view him as their left back of the future after a superb campaign.
A deal would also be something of a blow to Liverpool, as O Jogo reported in December that the Reds had failed with a bid to bring Mendes to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards may still be keen, but it instead looks like Mendes could be lining up against Liverpool next season as City move in.
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