Chelsea join the race for 18-year-old Portuguese wonderkid Nuno Mendes

Transfer News: Chelsea join the race for Nuno Mendes

According to transfer news from SportWitness, Chelsea have put themselves in the running for Nuno Mendes. Manchester City and United were thought to be the two clubs after the 18-year-old Sporting CP starlet but Chelsea have made their interest known.

The 18-year-old is coming off an excellent season that has cemented his reputation as one of the best young talents on the continent. He has made 35 appearances for Sporting this season, scoring once and assisting two more. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Mendes’ performances have also earned him a spot in defending champions Portugal’s squad for this summer’s Euros. It represents an excellent chance for the teenager to take his game to a bigger audience.

It was earlier reported that both Manchester clubs have held talks with Miguel Pinho, his agent. Pinho is also the agent of United star Bruno Fernandes and he was reportedly at Old Trafford to watch the player as well as discuss a transfer for Mendes.

The player and agent were spotted in Lisbon, potentially to discuss the possibility of a transfer. Now, Chelsea have also entered the race for the talented fullback. The Blues have reportedly contacted Pinho and asked about the situation and whether a deal can be struck.

More Chelsea News :

• Willian prefers Chelsea return after poor season at Arsenal
• Transfer News: Chelsea in the race for Miralem Pjanic
• News: Antonio Rudiger to discuss Chelsea future after Euros

Mendes is another bright talent to emerge out of Portugal. However, Chelsea already have a surplus of left-backs in the side with Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso and Emerson. Unless they sell off a few of them, it hardly makes sense to go after another prodigious player in the same position.