'Big mouth' agent Raiola has earned grudging respect

HAARLEM, Netherlands - Dressed in a T-shirt and jeans or tracksuit and sneakers, it is easy to mistake Mino Raiola for just another chubby beer-loving soccer fan rather than the razor-sharp mind who dominates the world transfer market.

Raiola, whose Italian roots and love of pasta is highlighted by his family's pizza restaurant, is said to have been instrumental in orchestrating Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku's latest signing at Manchester United for a reported $97 million over the weekend.

The 24-year-old's transfer from Everton - for a record fee between British clubs - was reportedly supported by another of Raiola's proteges and Lukaku's close friend, Paul Pogba.