Agent Mendes in talks with Lim on new SEA project

After establishing himself as one of the most influential football agents in Europe, Jorge Mendes' next venture could take him to South-east Asia.

- Kimberly Kwek

The Portuguese, who was in town this week, told The Sunday Times that he has been in discussion with Singapore tycoon Peter Lim on a new project in this region.

Mendes, 58, believes there is untapped potential, given the population of 697 million people in South-east Asia and their love for the sport.

While he did not divulge details, he said his vision was to bring coaches and academies from Europe to groom the next generation of talent, with the set-up starting from as young as Under-9s.

He added: "In the end, you are going to find top players for sure... because it's impossible (not to) with 600 million people. It's impossible to not find."