Manchester City plot another costly defensive signing as Pep Guardiola prepares £52m deal for Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Nuno Mendes... with Portuguese side wanting more than the initial £47m Man United paid for Bruno Fernandes

Manchester City are plotting another expensive defensive signing this summer with a £52million move for Sporting Lisbon's Nuno Mendes.

Mendes, an 18-year-old left back, has become a crucial part of the Sporting side this season and has made 34 appearances in all competitions as they ended a 19-year wait for the Portuguese title.

Sportsmail understands City have already made initial contact with Mendes' agent, Miguel Pinho, who also represents Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester City are plotting a u00a352m move for Sporting Lisbon's young defender Nuno Mendes

City have already made initial contact with Mendes' agent, Miguel Pinho over a summer switch

During those talks, City wanted to discover if Sporting are open to selling Mendes this summer but the Portuguese side are only willing to sell if the Premier League champions pay a club-record fee.