Manchester United will reportedly have to make a major sale during the January transfer window in order to stand a chance of completing a mid-season deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes.
The Portugal international is believed to be Man United's number one target when it comes to the left-sided wing-back role at Old Trafford, with that position proving to be incredibly problematic for head coach Ruben Amorim.
Luke Shaw's ongoing muscular problems have led to Diogo Dalot operating in that area, but the Portugal international has struggled to make his mark and is much more comfortable down the right.
Tyrell Malacia is available again after almost 18 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, but the Netherlands international has struggled in his limited action this term and is not thought to be in Amorim's long-term plans.
Man United are believed to have agreed a deal for left-back Diego Leon, with the 17-year-old set to arrive from Cerro Porteno this summer, but he is viewed as a long-term option, and the club also want a senior player in that area.
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Man United 'need a sale' to secure Mendes deal
Mendes is believed to be the club's number one option, with the 22-year-old, who has entered the final 18 months of his contract in Paris, believed to be looking for a fresh challenge.
PSG are likely to sell Mendes this year if a new deal cannot be agreed despite his status as a key player, with the left-back making 17 appearances this season, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.
According to The Independent, in order for Man United to meet PSG's €60m (£50m) valuation, the Red Devils will have to make a sale due to the financial regulations in place.
The report claims that the 20-time English champions are currently short of PSG's asking price, while they have not yet signalled a willingness to meet Mendes's wage demands due to their delicate situation.
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Would Mendes be a good signing for Man United?
Mendes won a Primeira Liga title under Amorim at Sporting, and the fact that he understands the demands of the current Man United head coach, and the 3-4-3 system, makes him a very attractive signing for the Red Devils.
The Portuguese is undoubtedly one of the best left-sided defenders in European football, making 100 appearances for PSG, scoring five times and registering 13 assists, winning six trophies in the process.
Man United need a specialist down the left, and Mendes fits the brief, so it is not difficult to understand why Amorim is so keen for him to arrive, and there are certainly sellable players in the Red Devils squad.
Casemiro, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford are among those being linked with January departures, while there have been claims that even Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are not off-limits when it comes to potential sales.
Matt Law
