Nottingham Forest Enter Race For Wolves Wonderkid Mateus Mane In Shock Vitor Pereira Reunion Bid
Nottingham Forest are ready to throw themselves into the transfer fight for teenage sensation Mateus Mane as Vitor Pereira eyes a daring reunion with the Wolves wonderkid, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Midlands club are closely monitoring developments surrounding the 18-year-old attacker, who is also admired by Liverpool and Manchester United after exploding onto the Premier League scene this season.
And with Wolves facing a major rebuild following relegation, Pereira will now try to raid his former club by luring Mane to the East Midlands before the division’s heavyweight giants make their move.
Despite suggestions he was unsure about the teenager’s potential whilst in charge at Molineux, sources in the East Midlands last night confirmed Pereira was always convinced Mane would develop into one of English football’s most exciting talents after overseeing a critical phase of his career.
Mane signed his first professional contract under Pereira after being drafted into the Portuguese coach’s senior squad and has since emerged as one of the brightest young forwards in the country.
RELEGATION TROUBLE
Now in charge of Forest, Pereira is preparing to refresh his options after steering the former European champions clear of relegation trouble.
That achievement, coupled with Wolves’ failure to retain their Premier League status, has prompted him to consider exploiting his old club’s problems by entering the race for Mane.
Aged just 18, Mane fits perfectly into the profile Forest’s sporting hierarchy are targeting as they look to invest in both potential and proven quality this summer.
Liverpool and Manchester United remain favourites to land the Portugal Under-21 international if, as expected, Wolves cash in to hand Pereira’s successor Rob Edwards funds for a major rebuild following a damaging campaign.
With far greater financial muscle and pulling power, the North-West rivals would be confident of winning the race should they step up their interest.
However, Mane also knows regular first team football will be crucial to his development, meaning Forest could yet emerge as an attractive destination if Pereira’s side can put together a convincing package.
