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Mendes magic… Wolves missing out on Pele enabled them to make signing of the summer

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Wolves missed out on Pele, only to sign a more accomplished player instead.

Portuguese football manager Jorge Mendes stands in front of the press during the release of the book 'The Special Agent' written by Miguel Cuesta and Jonathan Sanchez in Lisbon on February...

Wolves have had a busy summer, helped by the connections of ‘super agent’ Jorge Mendes.

The newly promoted side added Portugal international Joao Moutinho last month for a bargain fee of just £5 million, a signing which ranks up there as the very best this summer.

This was enabled by Jorge Mendes shuffling his clients around, moving Pele to Monaco.

Pele, 26, had been lined up for a big transfer to Wolves earlier in the transfer window.

Represented by Mendes, the Birmingham Mail claimed Pele was on the verge of becoming Wolves’ first summer signing back in May.

The midfielder impressed for Rio Ave last season enough to earn a big move, but Wolves were beaten to the punch by Monaco in early July.

Sporting's forward Daniel Podence (R) vies with Rio Ave's Guinean defender Pele during the Portuguese league football match Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC - Dos Arcos stadium...

This looked at the time like a miss for Wolves, only for it to turn into a blessing in disguise.

Monaco bringing in Pele helped them part with Moutinho more agreeably, and Wolves are the big winners.

Neither player have played in the Premier League before, but Moutinho’s experience makes him a far better bet to succeed.

Joao Moutinho of AS Monaco FC in action during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Monaco FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Louis II Stadium on September 27, 2016 in Monte Carlo,...