Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 6y

Paris Saint-Germain in talks with Vitoria over satellite club links

Vitoria president Julio Mendes has confirmed that the Portuguese Primeira Liga side are in talks with a bigger European club over becoming a satellite club amid links with Paris Saint-Germain.

Since the arrival of Antero Henrique as sporting director at Parc des Princes, the French capital outfit have been exploring the possibility of developing a link with another European club to farm out their best young talents to aid their ability to ultimately break through at senior level.

PSG have looked at the likes of Spanish club Malaga, Belgium's Eupen and Ligue 2 side Orleans in recent months, but Henrique's knowledge and contacts in Portuguese football have moved Vitoria to the top of the list of prospective partners.

O Jogo initially reported PSG's interest in Vitoria and president Julio Mendes appeared to confirm the details and admitted that talks over such an agreement are advanced.

"It is a subject that has been spoken about for a long time, which came out publicly against our will," said Mendes. "It is a question of building a project that is aimed at making us more competitive.

"There will be a meeting held outside of Portugal soon, with [majority shareholder] Mario Ferreira present, to complete the agreement. I will not reveal what is being discussed -- these are questions that you will have to ask the directors.

"Regarding the players, they could even arrive in the form of full transfers. If they come on loan, they will strengthen our ability to fight for titles. We will not be saying no [to any players]. Football is played at a global level."

Despite the appointment of popular former player and coach Luis Fernandez as youth academy sporting director, PSG have struggled to handle the abundance of young talent that they currently possess.

Promising midfielder Claudio Gomes is expected to sign with Manchester City this summer, while Yacine Adli is yet to commit to a similar deal, and a number of other talented starlets have also been offered full senior contracts in PSG's attempt to stem the leak.

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