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
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.
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.
“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.”
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