Man United, Liverpool & Barcelona in for Sporting Lisbon ace Martins
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A whole host of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly lining up to sign Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 22-year-old.
Sporting have a fine history of producing exceptional wingers. Luis Figo, Nani, Ricardo Quaresma and Cristiano Ronaldo are all products of the famous Lisbon academy.
Martins has shone this season, producing six assists and six goals from 20 appearances.
The Portugal international has been particularly effective in the Champions League, providing three assists including one apiece in Sporting’s two matches versus Juventus.
Since making his debut for Verde e Brancos in 2014-15, Martins has become a mainstay in the Sporting XI.
He hit seven goals in each of the 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns. But he’s reached new heights this season and looks set to smash through into double figures.
Martins’ links to Man United and Liverpool could be the latest indication of potential exits at the Premier League duo.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has failed to impress during his second term at Old Trafford. After a bright start the Armenian hasn’t been included in three of Jose Mourinho’s last four Premier League squads.
As for Liverpool, the Reds are still facing continued speculation that Philippe Coutinho is off to Barcelona.
The Catalan giants have been playing with just Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front this season, in a switch from their previous three-man attacks.
But the latter turns 31-years-old in January, which may well explain why Martins is of interest to the La Liga leaders – even if they sign Coutinho too.
Real Madrid have their reasons too. It’s believed the reigning European champions have become exasperated at Gareth Bale’s injury problems, while Ronaldo will be 33-years-old before the season is over.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
