Man Utd interest prompts Euro giants to raise starlet’s exit clause to €70m

Sporting CP have reached an agreement to raise the release clause of Nuno Mendes to €70m in order to ward off interest from Manchester United, according to reports.

Mendes has emerged from Sporting’s academy to outline himself as a player with potential. He made his senior debut earlier in 2020, and has since had plenty more opportunities in the first team.

The 18-year-old has big potential, and Sporting are keen to keep hold of him. Therefore, they gave him a new contract earlier this year, raising his release clause to €45m.

Mendes has continued to attract interest from big clubs since then. Liverpool were linked over the summer, but now Manchester United seem to be prime contenders for him.

According to Record, United have been monitoring Mendes. The full-back has the same agent as Bruno Fernandes, who moved from Sporting to United in January.

There is a chance that the teenager could make the same move. However, it is not yet clear if United are planning to make a bid.

Subscribe to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

Nevertheless, Sporting are wary that their top talent could be poached. Therefore, they want to give Mendes a second contract extension of 2020.

The deal would see his release clause rise from €45m to €70m, thus warding off potential suitors – United being the only one to be named. He will also see his wages increase as a result.

Mendes has started seven league games for Sporting this season, scoring once. He also featured in both of their Europa League qualifiers before they were knocked out by LASK.

Mendes clause second only to Fernandes

Mendes could soon receive a first call-up to the Portuguese national team, which will raise his profile further. Aware of this, Sporting want to make it harder for other clubs to sign him.

Sporting are prioritising Mendes’ renewal so much, that they have put all similar negotiations with other players on hold.

The left-back is under contract until 2025, but negotiations to renew the deal are “proceeding at a good pace”. The parties have agreed that his release clause will be €70m.

That would be the second-highest clause of its kind in the history of the club. The only player to be protected by a higher exit clause was Fernandes, at €100m.

READ MORE: Ronaldo urged to snub Man Utd for rising Prem side upon rumoured return