According to a shock new report in France, Liverpool have opened talks with the representatives of Real Madrid left back Ferland Mendy over a summer transfer.
Mendy, 28, only has one year left on his current Real deal and the club could opt to cash in this summer before losing him on a free in 2025.
Although established as a favourite of manager Carlo Ancelotti, Mendy’s long-term future is under threat due to the 14-time Champions League winners’ interest in Alphonso Davies.
Ancelotti recently described Mendy as the best defensive left back in the world but his enthusiasm for the former Lyon player is so far unmatched by the Real decision makers.
Davies, the 23-year-old Canadian, is also out of contract in 2025 and there has been no breakthrough with Bayern higher-ups regarding fresh terms.
Bayern are reluctant to bow to Davies’ demands and they could also opt to sell him this summer rather than entertain him running down his current deal.
Real have been long-standing favourites to acquire the services of Davies, although recent reports in Spain suggest los Blancos are uneasy about spending a €60 million to €70m sum for a player with only one year left on his deal.
They could instead seek to sign him on a free next summer.
And now comes the news that France international Mendy could be on the move to Anfield.
The Reds could well delve into the left-back market this summer having watched Andy Robertson miss significant chunks of this campaign through injury and with question marks persisting over deputy Kostas Tsimikas.
L’Equipe reports that Liverpool have spoken with Mendy’s entourage regarding a deal although there has been no formal offer yet for the 2022 Champions League winner.
There remains considerable uncertainty over Liverpool’s transfer business ahead of the summer with Jurgen Klopp leaving his post as manager and Richard Hughes coming in as sporting director in June.
Also linked with Mendy ahead of the summer window are Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Napoli, although the Italian champions don’t appear to be able to afford Mendy’s salary demands.
