Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a deal for Barcelona and Real Madrid target Gelson Martins, who plays for Sporting CP, to replace the outbound Memphis Depay
Portuguese publication A Bola have claimed that Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Sporting CP winger Gelson Martins. The player has been linked to the Red Devils as well as La Liga heavyweights, Barcelona and Real Madrid. But it looks like United are primed to add Gelson within their ranks, with Memphis Depay set to leave the club soon.
Gelson Martins is a Cape Verde-born winger who has chosen to represent Portugal internationally. The player has come up through the ranks at Sporting CP and has successfully managed to establish himself as a key player in the first-team setup for the Lions.
The 21-year-old has returned impressive figures in Liga NOS, with 2 goals and 9 assists to his name in 15 league appearances for Sporting CP. However, the winger gained continental recognition for his display against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages at Santiago Bernabeu, a match in which he ran Los Blancos amok.
His display against Real Madrid piqued their interest in Gelson. The Madrid hierarchy seem to have taken a liking to the 21-year-old and are keeping tabs on the player. Cristiano Ronaldo was also a Sporting CP product and has gone on to become one of the top names in global football. And Gelson is showing promise too.
Although, for very similar reasons as mentioned above, Manchester United have also been linked to Gelson. United have a better history of dealings with Sporting CP, having signed both Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, two of the best winger talents of their times, and are now looking to repeat their overtures with Gelson.
While Real and Manchester United have been reported to be interested in the player, so far only Barcelona have confirmed their interest in Gelson. The Catalan outfit are keeping tabs on the player and while they have ruled out a move in January for the 21-year-old, they may be compelled to come in as well, if the other clubs table an offer to Sporting CP.
And Tribal Football is reporting that Jose Mourinho is aware of Real Madrid’s interest and, with the aim of beating his former employers to Gelson, the Portuguese has opened talks with the player to bring him over to Old Trafford. It is reported that the Red Devils will test Sporting CP’s resolve with a €40 million bid for the 21-year-old.
Memphis Depay is set to depart Manchester United after a disappointing campaign and Jose Mourinho has earmarked Gelson Martins as his replacement. Martins is contracted till 2021, which means the fee is speculated to be in the higher echelons.
Manchester United’s piqued interest might force Barcelona and Real Madrid into action as well. But Jose Mourinho’s links in Portugal might just tip the hat in the Red Devils’ favour, and they could be on their way to land another wing prodigy from Sporting CP.
