Liverpool and Juventus could lock horns in the race to sign exciting Sporting Lisbon defender Nuno Mendes, according to AS [via Calciomercato].
The 18-year-old has been hailed as a wonderkid in the past, thriving for the Portuguese giants at left-back. Despite his tender years, Mendes has already made eight Primeira Liga appearances this season and was linked with Liverpool in the latter weeks of the summer transfer window.
It is now claimed that Juventus could benefit from the Reds probably not being able to play him regularly, with Andy Robertson a near-constant presence at left-back and Kostas Tsimikas arriving this summer as backup to the Scot.
Liverpool’s interest appears to be genuine, judging by the report, but it remains to be seen if an official bid will be made.
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The main stumbling block could be Jurgen Klopp not being able to promise Mendes a starring role in the team. In Robertson, Liverpool have arguably the best left-back in the world at the moment; and at 26, the Scot shouldn’t be going anywhere for a while.
That means Mendes could be put off by a lack of regular action, especially considering he is enjoying lots of playing time currently. The youngster seems a hugely promising talent, however, and planning for the long-term future is always advisable.
