With 23 goals scored in Sporting’s title winning campaign this season, Pedro Gonçalves became quite an obvious target for European clubs this summer.
Since his early success for the Lions started, the midfielder has been linked to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, and a move at the end of the season was already on the cards.
Now Portuguese newspaper Record brings good news for Sporting fans today, claiming the Lisbon side are actually working on a new contract for the 22-year-old.
It’s said talks are ongoing with agent Jorge Pires. The Lions want to reward the player with a better salary, and ‘white smoke’ could be seen in the coming days.
Still, it doesn’t mean Pote is staying at Sporting long term. Record points out that his release clause is €60m, and even though the Lions wanted to raise it, it doesn’t seem like they’ll be able to do it.
So before agreeing a new contract, the Lisbon side even admitted they could lose the player, and could negotiate his sale for less. Now, with a new deal, they’ll do their best to hold him and demand the €60m.
There are two interested clubs named in the story, with Manchester United and Liverpool said to be in the picture. The two ‘English sharks’ are mentioned as the ‘most attentive’, but it’s now clear they’re only signing him if the release clause is triggered.
