Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorin has spoken out on the future of talented left-back Nuno Mendes.

It was reported in the Portuguese press at the weekend that the 18-year-old could be subject to a £34m bid from Manchester United, with Alex Telles being included as part of the deal.

Amorin does admit that clubs in Portugal will have to raise funds through player sales to soften the financial impact of the global health crisis, but he is not expecting Mendes to be on the chopping block:

“We want to stay with the best even though we know that the market has laws. At the moment it is, Portuguese football needs to sell, Sporting and the other clubs, but our idea doesn’t stop there. Right now our focus is on beating Moreirense. Nuno has a contract with Sporting and a high termination clause. There is no concern whatsoever because Nuno is happy.”

Mendes’ release clause is reportedly €70m (£60m) so, unless a club is willing to trigger the buyout fee, it seems like the teenager will be staying with Sporting for the time being.

United are not the only club interested in the fullback, with rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool having also been linked, and it is not a surprise considering he is a regular starter in a side that is still unbeaten in the Portuguese league this season.