MANCHESTER UNITED have entered the race for Sporting Lisbon prodigy Nuno Mendes.
United have made contact with the Portuguese champions about a potential £52million deal for the 18-year-old full-back.
Manchester City had been linked with a move for Mendes but SunSport understands there is no interest from them.
Mendes has made a huge impact in his first full season at the club, making 30 appearances so far to help them end a 19-year wait to win the title.
United have sounded out if a deal might be possible through his agent Miguel Pinho — who also represents Bruno Fernandes.
The left-back, who can also play as a left midfielder, joined Sporting’s youth squad in 2012 from Despertar.
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And ever since his senior call-up last year, Mendes has amassed a total of 44 appearances for the club.
Mendes was called up by the senior squad eight years later and has since established himself as a regular under manager Ruben Amorim.
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The youngster’s performances have been so impressive that he even earned an international call-up by Portugal manager Fernando Santos in March.
United seem set for a busy summer transfer window as they are keeping tabs on long-term target Jadon Sancho.
The Red Devils have also been linked with Sancho’ Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland, but a deal for the England international appears to be a lot more feasible.
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