Man Utd legend ‘helping’ Iran star who netted vs England secure Premier League move

Dailystar.co.uk – LONDON, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is reportedly in contact with Mehdi Taremi’s agent over a potential transfer to the Premier League for the Iran and Porto star.

Rio Ferdinand is reportedly helping Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi secure a move to the Premier League.

Taremi netted twice for Iran against England in their World Cup opener and remains the only man to best Jordan Pickford at the tournament. It appears the Porto striker could now be set for a big move to the country he suffered a 6-2 drubbing to last month.

A report by Portuguese outlet A Bola claims Manchester United legend Ferdinand has signed a contract with Taremi’s agent to help him find a move to a ‘top’ Premier League club in January.

The 30-year-old has been in magnificent form this season for Porto, netting 13 goals and notching eight assists in just 19 appearances. But it appears a big move has now caught the Iranian striker’s eye.

Taremi is understood to have just 18 months left on his current deal. That, in spite of his rumoured £52million release clause, could lead the reigning Portuguese champions to entertain a lower offer for their ageing star.

Ferdinand also has previous ties with the forward. He stunned fans during BBC’s coverage of England vs Iran when he said live on air: “I know him quite well. I spoke to him on the phone a few times, he’s a really good guy.”

Presenter Gary Lineker asked in response: “Where do you know him from?” to which a tight-lipped Ferdinand replied: “I just knew him from a bit of business.”

Taremi’s reported move comes amid several top Premier League clubs looking for a new number-9. Chelsea have alternated between Kai Havertz, Armando Broja and new arrival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this season, with none convincingly stamping their claim on the position.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from Manchester United also leaves a huge gap up-top without a true out-and-out striker for Erik ten Hag to rely on for goals. Meanwhile, Arsenal suffered a blow to their title ambitions this week when it was announced star striker Gabriel Jesus would be out of the World Cup due to a knee injury.