Liverpool up their bid for Sporting winger

Liverpool will launch a €50 million (£43.7m) bid for Sporting winger Gelson Martins, according to reports in Portugal.

A Bola claims that Jurgen Klopp’s side have already had an offer in the region of €40m (£35m) turned down by Sporting.

But Liverpool are going to make a renewed effort to sign the Portugal international with a bid that’s close to the 22-year-old’s €60m (£52.5m) release clause.

Last week, reports in Portugal claimed that Manchester United had entered the race to sign Martins as Jose Mourinho is also on the hunt for a new winger to bolster his squad ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.

Liverpool, however, are hopeful that their new offer will convince Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho to sell.

Martins was one of Sporting’s standout players last season as he scored six goals and registered nine assists in 32 league appearances.

Liverpool also remain in talks with Roma to sign Mohamed Salah and although a £90,000-a-week contract has been reportedly agreed with the Egypt international, the two clubs are yet to agree a fee.

Source: Metro

Image credits to Getty Images.

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Liverpool link with Sporting Lisbon winger

Liverpool are looking at alternative targets to Mohamed Salah.

Sky Sports claim their pursuit of Salah have hit the rocks (due to his £35million valuation), and Jurgen Klopp is exploring the possibility of bringing winger Gelson Martins to Anfield.

The Portugal international has been watched by Liverpool representatives and could be tempted by a Premier League switch.

Martins, 22, has a £46.5million release clause in his current contract - although it's claimed Sporting Lisbon will accept £40million.

The winger produced seven goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.

That quality would likely see him fit in well under Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool are in need of quality reinforcements this summer as they prepare for a campaign in the UEFA Champions League and look to sustain a title challenge in the Premier League throughout next season.

Martins has the pace and trickery you'd expect from a promising young winger, but it's clear he possesses real end product given his excellent assist record.

While his goal record isn't overly inspiring, it's equally worth noting he only started 25 matches in all competitions, so 13 strikes overall isn't a bad return.

He still needs to prove he can be a prolific goalscorer, but if brought in relatively cheaply he could be an astute buy.

Liverpool also have joined the race for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.

A lack of game time has led to suggestions he will be playing his football elsewhere next term with Manchester United mooted as his next destination.

But Spanish publication Don Balon claim Liverpool are ready to battle their rivals for his signature.

Madrid chief Florentino Perez is refusing to lower his £52million valuation of the Colombian that has proved to be stumbling block in negotiations with United - but Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet his price tag.

Picture of Mo Salah credits to TWITTER @only1essam

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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