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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Jorge Mendes 'working on' next transfer after being cut out of Cristiano Ronaldo talks

Jorge Mendes has shifted his focus to sorting out Joao Felix's future after playing no part in Cristiano Ronaldo's latest move.

The super agent has been at the heart of some of the biggest transfers over the past decade. He's dealt with a host of Portuguese players - Ronaldo being the most high profile - and is in the midst of a busy period with the January window open for business.

Felix could be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid, despite the Spanish club spending over £100m to sign him back in 2019. A loan move is their preferred options with Manchester United and Arsenal both keen. Talks are expected to take place this week regarding the forward's future.

Chelsea, who are in need of more firepower, are focusing on a deal for World Cup star Enzo Fernandez whilst PSG could yet be another potential destination. United especially are in the market for a new forward following Ronaldo's unexpected departure from the club.

Diego Simeone has hinted that Felix could yet be on his way out of the Wanda Metropolitano. He said after their recent victory, in which Felix scored: "While he's here, I'll try to get the best out of Joao Felix for the club. Then we will see what's going to happen."

The 23-year-old, who enjoyed a rapid rise at Benfica, has been unable to continue on that upward trajectory. Throughout his time he's never been prolific, even if his quality hasn't been in doubt. Felix has scored 34 times since joining Atletico.

Joao Felix could be on the move this month (Getty Images)

Mendes has been a major figure with Portuguese players for some time. He and Ronaldo first began working together in 2003 and their near two-decade relationship has taken them from Manchester to Madrid and Turin. However Mendes played no part in his switch to Saudi Arabia, reports Marca.

They claim the pair's relationship has broken down having clashed over whether the 37-year-old should've gone following his Old Trafford exit. Instead it was Ronaldo's personal manager Ricky Regufe who took charge in the discussions with Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo's switch to the Middle East has copped criticism given his previous declaration that he wants to remain playing at the highest level. Gary Neville said on the move: "For Cristiano Ronaldo, I felt as though he would want to stay, for the rest of this season at least, in one of the big leagues in Europe and score more goals. Potentially find a Champions League club.

"It tells me that the offer is staggering. Maybe the club that he wanted in Europe didn't come in for him and this was his option to go for. An element of sadness, in terms of we've probably seen the last of Ronaldo playing at the top level."

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