193 Gerard Piqué Part 2 (2/2)

After exchanging a few words of conventional greeting, the two sides quickly came to the point. Twain made no secret of his liking and pursuit of Piqué, and he hoped that Canales would convey this message to Piqué: that although Nottingham Forest had just been promoted to the Premier League, the club had a very ambitious plan which was a very suitable way for the young Piqué to fully show his talents. In addition, he and the Forest team had the tradition of putting young players in important positions. He did not have to worry about not being able to play in matches when he joined the Forest team. The Forest team would not make him play in the youth league championships or reserve games. Twain wanted to buy him to let him play as the main center back, rather than as an investment for the future. Thirdly—and this was Twain's trump card—although Manchester United could take part in the UEFA Champions League next season, if Piqué were to join Manchester United, it was absolutely impossible for his name to enter the Champions League list, which both Piqué and his agent, Canales, were very clear about their interest in. But the Forest team could guarantee that Piqué would definitely play in UEFA Champions League, because the Forest team was one of three teams to represent England in the UEFA Europa League next season.

What did it mean for a young player to participate in a European tournament? Twain believed Piqué and Canales must clearly understand that players could participate in more games to raise their profiles, accumulate experience, and, at the same time, help increase their business value.

Holding a negotiation while Manchester United and Piqué were already getting closer in their relationship was advantageous to Tang En, in that they did not have to be entangled with the issue of the player's sentimentality towards his club, nor could Canales use that point to ask for high prices.

Piqué was certain to leave. The only question was which club he would go to.

When they had finished their discussion, they were like old friends, chatting about Catalonia and the weather in the United Kingdom. In this regard, Twain was bound to compliment the sunny weather and beaches of Barcelona, as well as its delicious cuisine. Then, Dunn excused himself from the table to go to the restroom, and Twain slid a twenty-thousand-pound check in front of Canales and told him that it was an advance payment. If the matter was successful, the remaining thirty thousand pounds would reach Mr. Canales's account immediately. If it was unsuccessful, these twenty thousand pounds would be the basis for their future cooperation.

When Dunn returned, the perfectly satisfied Canales took the check and said goodbye to them. His attitude was quite different from how it had been during the first phone call.

After they had sent Canales off, Tang En and Dunn took the car back to the hotel. In the car, Tang En said to Dunn, ”Money makes the world go round… the great wisdom of the Chinese.”

”I... don't really if it's worth doing this for a young player who has not proven himself yet in the professional arena.” Dunn expressed his caution and concern.

Tang En shook his head. ”In a few years, you will be glad that we only had to put out fifty thousand pounds to get him, and the people from Barcelona will regret it very much... Actually, they are already regretting it now, but they can't do anything about it. I love Spain... and its law!” He laughed.

※※※

A day later, Tang En received a call from Mr. Arturo Canales, who told him that Gerard Piqué Bernabéu would like to speak with him face-to-face.

After he hung up the phone, Tang En looked at Dunn, who was sitting on the couch and watching him. His face revealed a barely-concealed smile. ”Dunn, half the battle is won. The team I want is taking shape, and I can already see it.”