MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a transfer bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, according to reports.
And their pursuit could be boosted by suggestions that the left-back is ready to quit the French giants.
According to RMC Sport in France, negotiations over Mendes’ contract extension have hit a standstill with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
And that has opened the door for an exit – with United ready to pounce.
It is understood the Red Devils launched an initial offer for the 22-year-old defender.
The Old Trafford giants, though, will face competition from other clubs also keen to take advantage of Mendes’ desire for a new challenge.
PSG, however, retain hope of extending his contract and are desperate not to lose the star in January.
But Mendes is said to be keen on an exit.
And United may well be his next destination where he would be reunited with Ruben Amorim.
Amorim handed Mendes his first-team Sporting debut in June 2020, just days before his 18th birthday.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
After one full season in the Sporting XI, the defender headed to PSG on loan for the 2021-22 campaign before making the switch permanent for £34million.
He has racked up three Ligue 1 titles and has established himself as Portugal’s No1 left-back.
Now the attacking full-back could be the long-term solution for United.
The club have struggled in recent years with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia plagued by injuries – forcing Erik ten Hag and now Amorim to use others to fill in.
By Ken Lawrence
WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.
The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.
United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.
Here is how SunSport rated the performances…
ANDRE ONANA: 4
He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.
LENY YORO: 5
Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.
HARRY MAGUIRE: 6
The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6
Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5
Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.
MANUEL UGARTE: 5
Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.
KOBBIE MAINOO: 5
Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.
DIOGO DALOT: 6
Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.
AMAD DIALLO: 5
Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.
BRUNO FERNANDES: 3
Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.
RASMUS HOJLUND: 5
Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.
SUBS
Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6
Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6
Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6
Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5
