Gelson Martins has been rumoured as one of the primary transfer targets for Manchester United. United have already watched the Sporting Lisbon star on numerous occasions and are rumoured to be preparing a January bid for the player. His agent, though, has categorically stated that there is zero chance of Martins moving in the January transfer window. At the same time, he refused to rule out the possibility of a transfer in the summer.

Martins is reported to have a €60 million release clause in his contract. Even now, clubs may not be prepared to meet this figure. However, Sporting Lisbon are ready to offer the player a new contract which will see this release clause go up to €80 million or even €100 million. As quoted by Talksport, the player’s agent said:

“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.

“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.”

The attacking midfielder has become one of the sought after players in Portuguese football. Known for exporting a number of young talented players for big money, Martins is widely expected to follow the long list of talented players who had left the club in the previous years. Former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the biggest talents to have left Sporting Lisbon. According to those connected with the Portuguese outfit, Martins is on a level similar to Ronaldo when he was just 21.

The numbers have certainly provided all the talking, as Martins has two goals and six assists in 12 league appearances this season. Even though he has made five Champions League appearances this season, it has turned out to be a disappointing affair for the player. He will undoubtedly be judged upon his performances in Europe, but he is yet to score a goal or provide an assist. His poor performance in Europe has to do largely with Sporting Lisbon struggling as a unit.

Placed in a group containing Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, the Portuguese outfit are just about doing enough to secure a place in the Europa League next season.

Martins has been with Sporting Lisbon from his youth days. He made his league debut for the senior team only in 2015. After managing to score 7 goals in 42 appearances in across all competitions in his first season, Martins already looks set to better his goal tally in his second campaign.

United are certainly not short of attacking midfielders after having brought in the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer. However, players simply have not delivered to Jose Mourinho’s expectations and the club are looking to go on a spending spree once again. As a player who would cost in excess of €40 million, it is highly likely that the transfer will take place in the summer.

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