Man Utd still keen on Nuno Mendes transfer with 18-year-old left-back eyed from Sporting Lisbon despite Alex Telles move

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly still keen on Sporting Lisbon's 18-year-old left-back Nuno Mendes - despite swooping for Alex Telles in the summer.

reports Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still interested in Mendes despite bolstering his options on the left side of defence by forking out an initial £13.6million on Telles from Porto on deadline day in October.

The Red Devils have been linked with the talented teenager throughout the year.

But they will face plenty of competition for his signature after it was reported that Real Madrid have joined the race for the Portuguese youngster.

Mendes made his first-team debut after lockdown earlier in 2020 and is also being tracked by Premier League champions Liverpool.

He became the second-youngest player to appear for Sporting behind United legend and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mendes shares an agent with Old Trafford talisman and former Sporting skipper Bruno Fernandes which could help facilitate a move.

He is believed to have a £40m release clause and may be at the centre of a January bidding war.

Juventus and Inter Milan have also been mentioned with his name and Mendes has impressed from the off this season, helping Sporting to the top of the Primeira Liga after nine games.

MAN UTD BETTING TIPS: United likely to beat Sheffield United, but expect both teams to score

Sporting are hoping to boost Mendes' release clause up to £62m to try and ward off interest in their prized asset.

They are reportedly set to offer the youngster vastly improved terms on his £13,00- a-week wages but a new contract is yet to be agreed.

United have Alex Telles, 27, Luke Shaw, 25, and Brandon Williams, 20, already on their books so Mendes is likely to be one for the future at left-back.

Mendes has made eight league appearances for Sporting this term, netting one goal.

⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford