Man United suffer knockout blow as Euro rivals Atletico Madrid complete signing of Mensah

Manchester United suffered a transfer knock-out blow after Spanish side Atletico Madrid completed the signing of Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah.

The 20-year-old was a target for the English giants but Atletico swooped secretly to sign the Ghana star on a six-year contract on Wednesday ending the hopes of the Premier League side.

Mensah, 20, has joined from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and will send him on loan for one season to La Liga rivals and city neighbours Getafe.

Atletico confirmed the deal on their official website earlier this evening, they wrote: "Bernard Mensah is an Atletico Madrid player after an agreement was reached with Guimarares.

"The midfielder is known for his speed and driving with the ball. At 20 he is already a full international for Ghana.

"He will play the first of those on loan with Getafe."

Vitoria and Getafe also confirmed the deal for the 20-year-old, who operates as an attacking midfielder and can also play wide on the left.

Mensah constitutes Atletico's second deal of the evening after announcing the sale of Spanish midfielder Mario Suarez to Italian side Fiorentina.

United are known to have sent scouts to watch the impressive youngster in action, with the player even admitting to holding talks to sign.

Mensah told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "It's true that United want to sign me.

"I haven't talked to anyone from United, but I know from my agent that they are currently negotiating with my club."