Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins is set to stay in Portugal at least until the end of the season, according to his agent Ulisses Santos.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the past couple of months, but Santos has played down the speculation, insisting his client will definitely remain at Sporting beyond January.
“There is no proposal,” Santos told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. “He is a Sporting player and will continue to be in January.
“With all certainty he will not leave. He has a long contract and will not leave.”
Santos has also revealed Martins is set to sign a contract extension with the Portuguese giants.
“We are in talks and we will see what will happen,” he added. “The environment is good and we will, I’m sure, reach a good understanding.”
Martins has been in impressive form for Sporting Lisbon this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists in 12 league games so far.
His eye-catching performances earned him his first call up for the senior Portugal national team in September and he made his official debut against Andorra on October 7th.
The Sporting Lisbon youth academy is one of the best in the world and it seems like Martins is the club’s next home-grown jewel.
Martins left Benfica for fierce rivals Sporting in 2010 as a 15-year-old and it appears as though it has been the right career decision for the tricky winger.
United are always looking to sign the best young players in the world, so their reported interest in Martins is not unexpected.
The English giants have more than enough options on the wings right now, but with Memphis Depay and Ashley Young looking certain to leave in the next couple of transfer windows, there could be a spot for Gelson Martins at Old Trafford next year.
