Liverpool are set to revive their interest in Gelson Martins and aim to begin talks over a deal with Sporting Lisbon in the January window.
According to the Mirror, Liverpool are back in the chase for Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins. The revival of interest comes after the need to strengthen the squad following the record-breaking sale of Phillipe Coutinho to Barcelona earlier in the month.
Liverpool are on the lookout for players to strengthen their squad, especially in the attacking areas after the record-breaking sale of Coutinho. Jurgen Klopp’s side has funds at their disposal and are ready to splash the cash on Sporting Lisbon’s Gelson Martins in the current window.
The need to reinforce their attacking options in this window is seen vital by Klopp, who will make his demands known to the Liverpool hierarchy while Sporting Lisbon’s Gelson Martins seems to be the man the German wants in this window. There are four competitions to play as well the race to the top four in Klopp’s mind.
A player of Gelson’s quality fits the bill perfectly for Liverpool’s free-flowing attack.
Klopp’s side was interested in Martins during the summer window, but the deal depended on the speculation regarding Coutinho back then and on the success in their pursuit of Mohammed Salah. Although Coutinho did stay put temporarily, it seemed very likely he would depart in January.
Liverpool also signed Mohammed Salah in the summer window and with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joining by deadline day, Klopp cooled his interest in Martins, especially after it was revealed the player had a £53 million release clause in the contract, which Liverpool was unwilling to pay back then.
Reports suggest, the clause still exists, but Liverpool would be willing to pay about half the amount in the clause and remain confident of striking a deal with the Lisbon side. Klopp’s side do have other targets on their radar, but Martins remains a genuine option for the Reds if they fail to acquire their primary targets.
Martins has been flying high with Sporting Lisbon this season. He has nine goals and eight assists to his name in 29 appearances this season in all competition. The goals tally is already better than last season where he scored seven goals and provided fourteen assists in 44 appearances.
The Portuguese International would prove a solid buy for Liverpool or other teams who are interested. At only 22 years of age, Gelson Martins, at the price suggested, would be a shrewd buy and represents a long-term project for sides.
