Liverpool are reportedly still hopeful of striking a deal for Sporting Lisbon starlet Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old left-back has become a regular for the Portuguese giants this season, turning out 13 times for Sporting across all competitions, banking one goal and one assist.
Liverpool are believed to have already tabled a £19m bid for the teenager, which was swiftly rejected by Sporting, and the Primeira Liga outfit were supposedly holding out for an offer of £40m for Mendes.
Now, Portuguese outlets Record and O Jogo claim that Liverpool are still interested in a deal for Mendes, but the Premier League champions will have to dip further into their war chest to land the left-back.
Mendes is contracted to Sporting until 2025, but the Portuguese giants supposedly want the youngster to pen fresh terms as soon as possible, and a new deal would include a release clause of £63m.
Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City are all believed to be keeping a close eye on developments as well.
Ben Knapton
