Mendy move hits buffers over price tag
CITY’S move for Monaco left back Benjamin Mendy has hit a stalemate… leaving Liverpool in prime position to grab the France international.
That is according to a report in French sports newspaper L’Equipe, which claims that the Blues’ negotiations with the Ligue 1 club have stalled over the £40million asking price.
Mendy was one of the stars as Monaco demolished the Blues’ chances of a place in the Champions League quarterfinals last season.
And Pep Guardiola has made him number one target in that position this summer after allowing Gael Clichy to leave on a free transfer.
City have been discussing a move for the 22-year-old, who has won four senior caps after impressing since his switch from Marseille last summer.
But L’Equipe claims that those talks have stalled and that Liverpool have emerged as front-runners to rival City’s bid, while Chelsea are also on the alert in the hunt for the 6ft 1ins star.
Mendy was named in the French league’s team of the year, and Monaco are digging in their heels, backed by the fact that Mendy only signed a five-year contract last summer.
Monaco have also garnered £43million from the sale of Bernardo Silva to the Blues last month, and could be on course for a world-record fee for striker Kylian Mbappe, with City one of a number of clubs keen on the 18-year-old. Nou Camp and Allianz Arena.