Three Premier League clubs are reportedly showing an interest in signing Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy.
The 28-year-old is closing in on his fifth completed campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, the majority of his stint being deemed to be a success.
Mendy has contributed a total of six goals and 10 assists from his 165 appearances in all competitions, as well as winning eight pieces of silverware.
However, speculation persists that Los Blancos could look to secure the big-money signing of Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.
While a scenario could play out where Mendy extends his contract and competes with the Canada international, it is more plausible to expect the Spanish giants to look to cash in on the player.
That particularly rings true when Mendy's contract with Real is due to expire at the end of 2024-25, leaving him with just over 14 months remaining on his existing terms.
© Reuters
Liverpool among clubs considering a move?
According to L'Equipe, a number of clubs in the Premier League are toying with the idea of testing Real's resolve.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United are said to be the clubs in question, with each of the three teams currently offering contrasting situations to Mendy.
In Liverpool's case, they are yet to appoint a new manager to replace Jurgen Klopp from next season onwards, while they already have Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas competing for the left-back role.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta appears to be settled as Arsenal boss in the long term, but his left-back role is less so with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and the injured Jurrien Timber his options in that position.
Newcastle are also blessed with options at left-back, but the likes of Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Matt Targett would likely drop down the pecking order if Mendy were to arrive at St James' Park.
© Reuters
Mendy against move to one of those three clubs?
The report suggests that Mendy is likely to reject the opportunity to move to the latter courtesy of the Magpies having missed out on Champions League qualification for a second season in succession.
That seemingly leaves Liverpool and Arsenal as the two frontrunners, but other high-profile clubs would be expected to get involved in the race should an opportunity arise.
Mendy's preference will be a team that can offer him regular football having still gone on to make 28 starts and two substitute outings for Real this season.
Although that includes eight appearances since the beginning of March, Mendy did not feature during Real's 3-2 victory over El Clasico rivals Barcelona on Sunday night.
Darren Plant
