Liverpool one of four clubs named in race to sign 18 y/o with €70m buyout clause

Eurosport's Dean Jones reports that Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all interested in Sporting's Nuno Mendes after his fantastic breakout season.

The Portugal international has been a key player for Sporting this season, helping them open up a seven-point gap at the top of the Liga Nos table. His performances from left-back have earned 20 league starts.

Eurosport claim that the left-back has a €70million release clause in his contract and Man City are interested as Pep Guardiola, despite spending an unreasonable amount of money on fullbacks, is keen to sign a new left-back.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also mentioned as clubs that are keeping an eye on Mendes. Still just 18, there are huge expectations for the Sporting star, who Dean Jones describes as a "modern attacking full-back" with "so many of the attributes that many top clubs look for".

While Mendes is undoubtedly a top talent, it seems unlikely that Liverpool are serious about signing him this summer.

The priority is a centre-back not to mention the fact that Andy Robertson still has that left-back role locked down for the next four years at least.

While Kostas Tsimikas has had terrible luck with injuries this season, suffering three separate injuries, he's still an option for Klopp and will likely feature a lot more next season. The Greek defender has made just six appearances.

Injuries have shaped Liverpool's 20/21 season but hopefully they'll have better luck next season and can challenge for the Premier League title again.