Manchester City have “started exploratory contacts” with Sporting Lisbon about signing left-back Nuno Mendes, according to Record.
The Portuguese tabloid reports that the Citizens have made the first move for the 18-year-old, with the player expected to be sold when the summer transfer window opens.
Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be looking at Mendes, having kept an eye on the teenager’s progress over the past few months, but City seem to be the keenest to make a deal happen.
One major stumbling block could be the Portuguese Under 21 international’s price. Record report that the fullback currently has a €70m (£60m) release clause and it is not clear whether Sporting would be prepared to accept an offer below that amount.
Improving their options at left-back is thought to be a priority for City this summer so interest in Mendes is not a surprise. Whether he’ll end up at the Etihad, though, it remains to be seen.
