Man City's pursuit of Sporting defender Nuno Mendes 'shelved' until after Euros

Manchester City's interest in signing Sporting Lisbon defender Nuno Mendes has been shelved until after the Euros.

The 18-year-old has been reminded by Portugal boss Fernando Santos that he must focus solely on helping his country progress in the tournament; and put his personal future to one side.

According to The Mirror City boss Pep Guardiola see Mendes as the answer to the club's long standing issues at left-back.

The Sky Blues opened talks with the young defender's advisers in May, but have yet  to trigger his £60.1 million release clause.

City now face the prospect of Real Madrid joining the race for his signature if he impresses during the Euros.

City's Portuguese contingent of Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo have reportedly been trying convince Mendes to join them at the Etihad.

Left-back has been a problem position for Man City; Benjamin Mendy was signed three years ago from Monaco for £52 million but has struggled to make an impact due to persistent and niggling injuries.

City are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the 26-year-old who now finds himself below converted midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at the Etihad.

The Ukrainian has impressed at left-back after Guardiola played him there whilst Mendy was injured, however his lack of experience in that position was exposed when Kai Havertz scored in their Champions League final defeat to Chelsea in May.

Cancelo has also been deployed at left-back with success from an attacking standpoint but has struggled with the defensive side of the role.