Man City and PSG open talks with Nuno Mendes as Sporting make transfer U-turn

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Sporting’s Nuno Mendes has been a sought after player for quite some time now, after some strong performances for the Portuguese champions throughout his early career. And, after attracting interest from Europe’s top sides, a deal may just be on for the youngster after the Lisbon-based outfit made a U-turn on his future – after they reportedly declared they were open to offers.

The youngster, 19, has been a key figure in Sporting’s first Premiera Liga title win since 2001/02, as the Estadio Jose Alvalade outfit cruised to the title by five points ahead of fellow giants Porto.

Already amassing 45 appearances at the age of just 19, the diminutive left-back has also earned five caps for Portugal – and incredible feat given the prowess of Raphael Guerriero, Joao Cancelo and Mario Rui in the left-back berth.

And, with some stellar performances for the Leoes, Europe’s best sides have taken note as they look to add one of the world’s best young full-backs to their side.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been credited with having an interest in the 5ft 9in talent.

A deal looked unlikely for Mendes given Sporting’s stance on their key asset – however, a deadline day twist has occured after they have reportedly done a U-turn in the final hours, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Italian journalist has claimed that Sporting are willing to listen for offers of £34.3million (€40m) for the pacy defender.

And, given the amount of money City have in the bank after their failed pursuit of Harry Kane, and the money PSG may warrant from the potential sale of Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe, shouldn’t be a problem.

Talks for Tottenham and England captain Kane broke down after Spurs chief Daniel Levy refused to budge on their £150m valuation of the talisman – with City reportedly offering a maximum bid of £128m.

Yet, with French left-back Benjamin Mendy currently suspended by the club upon a police investigation, City may be in the market for a left-back – with the club reportedly holding talks with Mendes’ agent Miguel Pinho as a result.

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City currently have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo as capable left-backs with Mendy currently ruled out.

However, Cancelo is primarily a right-back, and despite Zinchenko displaying some good performances for the Citizens on the left side of defence, he again is naturally a midfielder – making Mendes the only out-and-out left-back at the club, should he sign.

Despite City’s interest, PSG are also interested in Mendes – and with Juan Bernat turning 28, they may too be in the market for a household name at the Parc des Princes – with Romano claiming that Les Parisiens have also registered their interest.

It would take City’s spending to £134m, after they broke the British transfer record to sign Jack Grealish at the start of the month.

Eclipsing the previous record set by Paul Pogba, Grealish has made a fruitful start to life at the Etihad Stadium, scoring once and assisting once in just three games under Pep Guardiola.

And he will look to continue his form this week in the England set up, as Gareth Southgate’s men take on Hungary, Poland and Andorra in their World Cup qualifiers.

City have amassed six points from their opening three Premier League games.

The season started slowly after a 1-0 loss at the hands of an admittedly resolute Tottenham side in north London.

However, City have recently been back to their best – producing two 5-0 drubbings of Norwich City and Arsenal respectively.

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