Sporting CP reportedly rejected a €22 million bid from Liverpool for teenage defender Nuno Mendes, but the Reds haven’t dropped their interest.
The highly-rated 18-year-old is considered a top prospect in Portugal and has featured regularly for the capital club this season.
Portuguese newspapers Record and O Jogo (via Sport Witness) have claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing the youngster, and the latter reports that a €22m bid for the left-back was turned down as Sporting were holding out for €45m.
The Premier League champions’ efforts to sign Mendes could now become even harder, as he is close to agreeing a new contract that will include a €70m release clause.
Sporting will then negotiate a sale next summer from a stronger position, and Liverpool’s interest is said to be serious.
The Anfied outfit aren’t alone, though, as Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also monitoring the teenager.
Mendes, a Portugal Under-21 international, has provided one goal and one assist in 13 games this season.
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