Amorim closing in on first signing as United lodge bid for sensational 22-yo star – report

Manchester United have reportedly lodged a bid for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes with less than a week left until the opening of the January transfer window.

United are desperate to bolster their options at left-back amidst concerns over the fitness of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Shaw remains sidelined with an injury he suffered earlier this month while there are question marks over Malacia’s long-term suitability after an extremely lengthy period on the sidelines.

Malacia was not named in Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers and it was claimed that his absence was not injury-related.

Tyrell Malacia’s absence today is not down to injury #mufc

— Rich Fay (@RichFay) December 26, 2024

United have been linked with several left-backs including Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Alvaro Fernandez (Benfica) and of course, Mendes.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils established contact with Mendes’ agent – Jorge Mendes – to explore the possibility of getting a deal over the line.

The Portugal international has two years remaining on his current contract and talks with PSG over an extension have proven difficult.

Now, RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins has given an update on the situation, indicating that United have made an offer to secure his services.

According to Hawkins, “Contact is broken. Launched in negotiations for the extension of his contract, PSG and its left-back Nuno Mendes are unable to find common ground. The club has made offers to the Portuguese international, whose current contract runs until 2026. The player has refused them.”

“Nuño Mendes believes that the salary offered by PSG does not correspond to his status as a starter. To the point that the former Sporting CP player now sees himself elsewhere.”

“The Portuguese international is indeed in the sights of several big European clubs. Among them, Manchester United, who have made an offer and whose pressing does not leave the 22-year-old full-back indifferent.”

Hawkins adds that PSG have ruled out a January exit for Mendes and are still hopeful of agreeing fresh terms in January.

Mendes is not happy with his role under Luis Enrique. The 22-year-old has been forced to be more defensive while his main strengths lie in attacking areas or when he goes forward.

Amorim knows the player well, having coached him for a season at Sporting Lisbon. Mendes’ desire to surge forward also makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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