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Wolverhampton Wanderers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been discussing Jorge Mendes' influence at the club this week in an interview with the Spanish press.

What's he said?

The west Midlands club are enjoying another excellent season in the top-flight as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League while also competing on the European stage.

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It has been quite the turnaround since 2013 when Wolves sank into the depths of League One, but ever since Chinese conglomerate Fosun took charge of the club, they've been on a meteoric rise.

In 2018 they won the Championship title, having signed big-name stars like Ruben Neves with the help of super-agent Mendes.

Speaking to Marca about his involvement, Thelwell said:

"People think he has free hand to do what he wants in this team and it is not like that. There is an informal cooperation between Fosun and Gestifute, Mendes’ agency. They are going to consult him and ask him for advice, he is one of the biggest names in football.

"I’ve said it many times. Nuno has been our best signing. He has improved us and has given us a very clear football identity and philosophy. You just have to see how we play, with or without the ball, to see how far we have come. His great work has taken us to another level."

Considerable influence

It would be quite reasonable to suggest that had Wolves owners Fosun not had an impeccable relationship with Mendes, the likes of manager Nuno Santo and the bulk of their playing squad wouldn't be plying their trade at Molineux.

Thelwell goes as far as saying that the Portuguese boss has been the best signing of the lot, so those in the west Midlands certainly owe a lot to the controversial football representative.

He also plays down how much of an impact he has at Wolves, but given that a plethora of his clients are on the books there, it is a little misleading, but then again, it is always going to be a double-edged sword when dealing with the murky waters of football finance.

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Meanwhile, Nuno Santo has said the words every single Wolves fan has wanted to hear amidst interest from Arsenal...