Football

'We Can't Hide It'

Manchester United transfer news: Barcelona admit Red Devils and Real Madrid target Gelson Martins of Sporting Lisbon is on their radar

Star attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs as he prepares to make senior Portugal debut

Anthony Chapman

Published: 14:10, 5 Oct 2016
Updated: 22:19, 5 Oct 2016

Sponsored by

BARCELONA admit they’ve joined the race to sign Sporting Lisbon star Gelson Martins.

The flying winger has caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs after bursting onto the scene last year with seven goals in 42 games.

Barcelona admit that Gelson Martins is a transfer target — Barcelona admit that Gelson Martins is a transfer targetCredit: EPA

The Sporting Lisbon star is also being chased by Man Utd and Real Madrid — The Sporting Lisbon star is also being chased by Man Utd and Real MadridCredit: Getty Images

Manchester United and Real Madrid are both battling for Martins’ signature, but are having to contend with a mammoth £52million release clause.

Sporting are hoping to tie the 21-year-old down to a new contract but he could be tempted to up sticks at the end of the season for a new challenge.

And Martins won’t be short on options should he decide to leave Sporting, with Barca now looking to land him.

Nou Camp chief Ariedo Braida revealed: “What I can say is that Gelson Martins is being observed by us.

Related Stories

Luis Suarez had bizarre training method at Liverpool – did it help him become world's best striker?

Method In Madness

Luis Suarez had bizarre training method at Liverpool – did it help him become world's best striker?

Chinese Super League teams ready lucrative contracts as they target Barcelona's Javier Mascherano

Chinese Super League teams ready lucrative contracts as they target Barcelona's Javier Mascherano

Barcelona set to reward Marc-Andre ter Stegen with new contract despite errors in Celta Vigo defeat

Barcelona set to reward Marc-Andre ter Stegen with new contract despite errors in Celta Vigo defeat

Barca have revealed they've been tracking Martins for a while — Barca have revealed they've been tracking Martins for a whileCredit: Getty Images

Martins is in line to make his senior Portugal debut this week — Martins is in line to make his senior Portugal debut this weekCredit: EPA

“This is a young man with a lot of talent that Barcelona has observed and we will continue to do so. I can’t hide that Gelson Martins is a target.”

The talented midfielder will get a chance to show off his skills on the biggest stage this week when he makes his senior Portugal debut against either Andorra or the Faroe Islands.

Martins has already started the new league campaign with two goals in six appearances, and manager Jorge Jesus admits: “In Portugal, there is no one like him.”

Watch ALL the goals from the Premier League before anyone else for FREE plus all the latest news, fixtures and results and live match commentary all on the go with the new Sun Football App – click here to download

Topics