Bruce rubbishes claim Mendes is in charge

STEVE Bruce insists he is still in control of transfers and has explained the role of super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Mendes was helping new owner Nassef Sawiris by recommending players who could help out Villa this season, with keeper Andre Moreira signed up.

Bruce said: “The thought of Mendes running the club is upsetting,” he said.

“It’s nonsense and I shouldn’t have to waste my time talking about it.

“The story has come out because we’ve taken a player from a certain agent.

“I’ve been in it for 20 years and I’ve dealt with a lot of agents.

“If Jorge Mendes can bring me a player like he has just done I’ve been delighted.

“If he brings me the quality of player that Wolves have signed last year then I’d also be delighted.

“But I’m dealing with about 12 agents now and I’ll continue to deal with them. If any agent has the right player, then we’ll deal with it.”

Bruce also rubbished any link to Mina and explained how the club would be looking for loan players after the August 9 deadline once Premier League clubs have got their squad in order.

And Villa’s new majority owners are weighing up a move to bring Peter Kenyon into the club.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive is reportedly being considered for a similar role at Villa Park as Villa look to steer themselves towards another promo- tion push. Kenyon, now 64, was CEO at Old Trafford from 2000 until 2003, when he left for the same role at Stamford Bridge. Ex-Umbro director Kenyon departed Chelsea in 2009, but is now being considered for a role. The claret and blues parted company with previous chief executive Keith Wyness this summer.

Mendes and Kenyon have worked closely together in the past, overseeing the deal that took Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United.