Vitoria to cash in on Mensah

Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah looks close to an exit from Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes this summer.

The 20-year-old who is represented by top agent Jorge Mendes has this week reportedly had Spanish side Valencia revive their interest in landing his services with an improved offer this term after seeing their €2 million bid turned down last December.

Manchester United have also been reported to be interested and have sent scouts to monitor him feature for the Portuguese side on a number of occasions last season.

Club President Julio Mendes has suggested that the door is open to a possible departure of the midfielder this summer with his remarks in an interview with Portuguese newspaper O'Jogo. Cashing in on the interest for the recently capped Ghana international is expected to be a relief for the club who are said to be in need of money to balance their budget.

"The team is full of talent and the sale of a player will be an influx of money, more or less interesting. With this sale would have the opportunity to ease the financial pressure," he said.

"In recent days there has been talk of selling Bernard Mensah, We have had contacts for several months but we have no concrete proposals. However, yes there have been approaches and talks. We have more or less clear when we sit in a stronger way, talking about a possible transfer for Bernard Mensah.

Vitoria are set to feature in the Europa League from the third qualifying round on July 30 and the Club President says events that will occur between now and the date will inform the decision to allow Bernard Mensah to feature or not.

"He could either play the first European match or not. It depends on what happens in the future. Not everything depends on our will.

He declined to reveal the club's valuation of the young Ghanaian though Valencia have been reported to be readying a €9 million bid.

"We have an economic value defined for Bernard, but I will not reveal," said Júlio Mendes.