Liverpool are reportedly chasing Gelson Martins as signing Mohamed Salah has started to look unlikely.
According to Phil McNulty of the BBC, Liverpool have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over the potential signing of their powerful talisman Gelson Martins. The Reds have emerged as suitors for the striker after failing to come to an agreement with Roma for Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian forward, who was deemed a perfect fit for the Merseyside outfit, was closing in on a move to Anfield to join forces with Jurgen Klopp. In fact, the club had even agreed personal terms with the player, but are now unwilling to match Roma’s asking rate.
Liverpool had reportedly tabled a bid for Salah, but saw it being turned down as the Serie A outfit are holding out for £40 million – something that the Merseyside club are unwilling to shell out.
Thus, the Reds are now look for an alternative for the Egyptian, and are interested in Martins. They have already opened talks with the player, and are planning to table a bid within the next few days.
The right winger has been scouted by the Reds throughout this past season, and he now may be on his way to Anfield to join forces with Jurgen Klopp. Sports Witness has reported that the player has a €60 million release clause at the club.
However, Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho is ready to start negotiations at €50m, and it’s believed in Portugal that Liverpool can afford it. Klopp is impressed by the reports that his scouts have given him, and is now hoping to crack a deal for the attacker.
Martins has been in decent form this past season scoring seven goals and providing a staggering 14 goals. He was one of Sporting’s creator in chiefs in the final third, and will be a huge loss should the Portuguese leave in the summer.
Liverpool will be looking to add to the depth in their squad as they will compete in the Champions League next season, and Martins’ arrival could really help Klopp strengthen his resources.
Due to Sadio Mane’s performances this past season, it may be difficult for Gelson to break into the first team, but Klopp may alter his formation so as to get the best out his attacking players he has at his disposal.
However, there still remain doubts as to whether the 22-year-old will gel well in the Premier League, and the next few weeks would give the Liverpool fans more insight as to whether or not the player will be moving to Anfield in the summer.
