Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘eyes forgotten ex-Newcastle flop for role on board after being impressed with key Man Utd transfer’

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has set his sights on former Newcastle player Hugo Viana to join Manchester United’s board as Chief Operating Officer.

Currently serving as the Director of Football at Sporting Lisbon,  Viana caught the attention of the British billionaire by completing a significant transfer deal for United in 2020.

EPASir Jim Ratcliffe is eyeing up ex-Newcastle star Hugo Viana to join United’s board[/caption]

News Group Newspapers LtdViana is currently the Director of Football at Sporting Lisbon[/caption]

Liverpool’s recent signing of Pedro Marques was a blow to the Red Devils who wanted to acquire the Portuguese at Old Trafford.

Recently at Benfica Marques is set to play a pivotal role at the club football operations with the departure of Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

But for United Marques’ move has narrowed their options down leading Ratcliffe to target the Magpies forgotten man Viana.

Newcastle are also interested in their former player to replace Dan Ashworth who too has been a target to become sporting director at United.

A report revealed: “Liverpool’s signing of Pedro Marques reduces options for Manchester United‘s Chief Operating Officer role.

“Sources have told me to keep an eye on Hugo Viana, who, according to the I newspaper , is also amongst the names Newcastle want to replace Ashworth.

“He is well respected within INEOS, and I’m told also played a part in ensuring Bruno’s transfer to United went as smoothly as it could. It’s thought he’s interested in working on a new project.”

Viana had an underwhelming stint at St James’ Park arriving to Tyneside in 2002 from Sporting.

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Lasting four terms at the club the 29-cap Portugal star spent two of them on loan back at his former side in Lisbon and with Spanish giants Valencia.

While the former midfielder’s playing career may not have been memorable to fans he redeemed himself on the board at Sporting.

And one transfer United fans will commemorate Viana for was his role in securing skipper Bruno Fernandes to Old Trafford in 2020.

The 41-year-old is also well respected at Ratcliffe’s INEOS and the British billionaire recognises Viana’s ability to navigate negotiations and build a successful squad for the upcoming season.