Manchester United target Gelson Martins isn’t going anywhere in January, his agent has said. Jose Mourinho has been repeatedly linked with interest in the player, and Manchester United scouting Sporting has only served to encourage that.
The player’s representative was present at the 10th Anniversary of the Agência Nacional de Agentes de Futebol, and was obviously asked about his client, who’s one of the biggest Portuguese stars at the moment.
Despite not hiding that clubs from abroad are interested in Gelson, the agent still made sure to calm the Sporting fans down and said he’s staying at least until the end of the season.
“There are no bids. Gelson is a Sporting player, will keep being, and in January he will surely not leave. I can say this for sure,” he told journalists (via Record).
“I do my job. I speak to some clubs, but the main thing is Sporting, which Gelson represents with dignity and where he’s happy. He’s a very talented player and for me it’s not a surprise he gets to this level.”
“We’re in talks with Sporting. The environment is good and we’ll get to a good understanding. His wish is to continue, with or without renewal.”
That’s good news for Manchester United or any other club who want the player. If Gelson is not so worried about getting a new contract, it will slightly weaken Sporting’s negotiating position.
The player currently has a €60m release clause, but in case he signs a new deal, reports from Portugal say these figures should be raised to €80m or even €100m.
Whilst it’s unlikely any club would ever pay those figures, Sporting will believe that the higher the clause, the higher the end figure they’ll get.
As has been said in Portugal many times this season, Manchester United have been watching Gelson Martins game after game. The Red Devils are believed to have many scouting reports about the winger, but are still to open negotiations for him.
