PSG sign Mendes from Sporting - Has also been linked with Man City

Nuno Mendes is considered one of the world’s biggest defensive prospects – and could leave Sporting for a top club at short notice before the transfer deadline closes. As reported by Loïc Tanzi of RMC Sport, Fabrizio Romano and A Bola, among others, the Portuguese titleholders are willing to sell the 19-year-old left-back. Mendes’ agent from the company MRP.POSITIONUMBER held first talks with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Update, 11:37 PM BST: PSG officially confirmed the transfer on Tuesday night.

Update, 08:36 pm BST: Mendes is to join PSG on an initial loan deal, according to Romano. The loan fee will reportedly amount to €7 million. The French giants will have an option to make the deal permanent for €40 million.

The two clubs are likely to be among the few possible buyers who could meet Sporting’s demands. Mendes is said to cost at least €40 million, which corresponds to his market value. No defender in this age group is worth more. If PSG or Man City pay the transfer fee, the Portugal international would become this summer’s most expensive teenager. However, there have been no advanced negotiations to date.

Sporting reportedly will not be selling further players. Mendes, who rose from their own youth ranks, is still under contract with the Leões until 2025. He celebrated his breakthrough under Rúben Amorim last season and was one of the top performers at the age of 18.