Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes is reluctant to sign a new contract as it may affect his chances of joining a club like Liverpool, according to reports in Portugal.

The Reds, along with Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus have all reportedly scouted the 18-year-old in recent months after some impressive performances following his first-team breakthrough.

Mendes currently has a €45m (£40m) release clause but Sporting may ask for this to be increased if they hand the fullback an improved deal. For that reason, the player may look to delay any negotiations over a contract extension to see if any team comes in with an offer for him.

Whether Liverpool would actually follow up their interest in the Portuguese Under 21 international, it does seem debatable, with the Merseyside club having bought Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos in the summer to provide cover for Andy Robertson.

Mendes has been playing mostly as a left wingback this campaign so he is capable of playing further forward but, even so, a transfer to Anfield isn’t likely at this stage.