Watford are edging closer to a deal to sell Nestory Irankunda after Sporting stepped up their pursuit. This is because the Portuguese club is now making the winger their priority target. Negotiations are moving into a more advanced phase.
On Tuesday, reports in Portugal revealed Sporting had opened talks for the Australia international. Watford wanted around €15m (£13m) after already rejecting Hull City’s €10m offer. But now there has been another step forward.
According to Wednesday’s edition of A Bola, Irankunda has moved from Sporting’s shortlist to become the club’s leading option for the left side of their attack.
The Portuguese side are now preparing a five-year contract running until 2031. This will happen if they can reach an agreement with Watford.
Priority target as Sporting reshape attack
The newspaper explains Sporting’s plans have accelerated as they reshape the left side of their attack. Expected departures for Pedro Gonçalves and Faye have increased urgency. Also, Francisco Trincão’s move to Al Ahli has increased the urgency to bring in another versatile forward.
That has seen Irankunda emerge as the preferred option. Sporting believe the 20-year-old offers the flexibility to play on either wing. He can also play in more central attacking roles.
Financial gap narrowing
A Bola states Sporting continue to work on a deal worth around €15m (£13m). Meanwhile, Watford are attempting to push the overall package closer to €20m (£17.3m) through bonuses and performance-related incentives.
Rather than the clubs being far apart, the current discussions are said to focus on the structure of the agreement. Both sides are trying to bridge the remaining gap through financial engineering.
That represents a shift from the previous situation. Previously, Sporting had opened negotiations but were yet to submit an official proposal.
Agreement edging closer
The Portuguese newspaper believes negotiations have advanced to the point where an agreement is now closer than before. It adds that the transfer could be completed in the coming days if the remaining financial details are resolved.
For Watford, the latest update suggests talks have progressed beyond initial contact and into the finer details of a potential deal. Sporting are now fully committed to making Irankunda their first-choice signing for the position
