Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for Nuno Mendes even though Pep Guardiola has three players who can realistically do a job at left-back in Oleksandr Zinchenko, Benjamin Mendy and Joao Cancelo, but Simon Stone of BBC Sport says the Sky Blues actually have ‘no interest’.
City were reportedly waiting until January to make a move for Sporting’s 19-year-old as they couldn’t afford to match his €50m (£42.8m) asking price, but Stone says there ‘has never been’ genuine interest from the camp, so it doesn’t appear Mendes will be on his way to the Etihad Stadium this summer or in Jan.
It’s a surprising update given how talented the Portuguese international is. Guardiola loves a left-back that is adept in attack, will create chances for teammates and is handy with their distribution into the box. Mendes fits the bill as he’s whipped in 135 crosses, created 31 chances and made 44 successful dribbles.
The 19-year-old also stands at 6ft, so he’s physically opposing and strong in the air, but Stone’s revelation means he was never really a target. Mendy does have an uncertain future at the Etihad after struggling for form and playing time last season, so City may need a replacement eventually.
In other news, a 5ft 7in player could stay at Man City despite reported interest