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Man Utd 'enlisting help of Jorge Mendes' as two mega-money stars linked to moves
Manchester United are looking to tap into the contacts of Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes.
Manchester United are reportedly seeking the assistance of super-agent Jorge Mendes, as they set their sights on two high-profile stars.
The club's new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has already met with Mendes, who represents a plethora of top-tier players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Darwin Nunez and Pedro Neto, not to mention former United manager Jose Mourinho. This comes as part of Ratcliffe's ongoing revamp of the Old Trafford scouting network.
Dan Ashworth is set to depart Newcastle United to take up the role of Sporting Director, while Jason Wilcox of Southampton has been appointed as Technical Director. Ratcliffe plans to be actively involved in player signings, expressing his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as a flawed and costly recruitment strategy.
Ratcliffe recognises Mendes' significant influence in the transfer market and aims to capitalise on his extensive expertise, according to The Mirror. Wolves have successfully established their Premier League status by signing several of Mendes' clients, and Nottingham Forest have also heavily relied on his services.
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United now aim to follow this model, with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves another Mendes client featuring on the Old Trafford wish list. It looks set to be a busy summer for Ashworth and his team, with the 19-year-old Portugal international fitting the bill as a young, ambitious player eager to make his mark.
United have also been linked with another Mendes client, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, but with an asking price of around £100 million his arrival is less likely than that of Neves. In the same breath, Neves won't come cheaply either with Benfica set to demand in excess of £86m for their young sensation.
United are already making moves ahead of the summer transfer market with reports this weekend claiming that left-back Miguel Gutierrez of Girona - a team tied to the club's arch-rivals Man City - could become Ratcliffe's first signing.
One person already through the Old Trafford door though is super agent Mendes who will play a leading part in the United transformation under Ratcliffe.