This is almost from the archives. I remember the summer transfer window start with the news that we are after Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins.

The chase got subdued in the wake of Mohammad Salah’s pursuit and the subsequent signing but the latest stories from Portuguese outlet Record indicate that the interest could be still alive. The Reds were rumoured to have offered €50million for the services of the player – very close to his release clause of €60million.

The report, however, indicates that Sporting is willing to pay €1.5million to the player to raise his clause to €100million – utilising the existing clause in the renewal agreed in May.

How True Can This Be?

We have often seen reports planted in Portugal media about Premier League interest on players. The pattern is always the same – player has a disproportional release clause, English clubs show interest, player signs a new contract, and the release clause gets increased.

The 22-year-old is no doubt a classy winger. He had a very productive 2016-17 season with 14 assists that made him one of the top 10 assist-makers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Gelson’s style is often compared to that of Sadio Mane with the same bursts of acceleration that leaves the defender dead in his wake. His dribbles and trickery may be better than that of Mane but the Senegal forward has consistently delivered in the faster Premier League.

Some fans may opine that signing Salah should be enough but the start of 2019 could see both Salah and Mane leave for Africa Cup of Nations. Gelson can be a very effective standby in that case.

It is surprising though, that not many clubs are chasing for his signature. This is precisely why, I believe, Sporting are drumming up Liverpool’s interest. €50million for a 22-year-old is too much and considering their financial problems, Sporting should be lapping up that offer.

It is quite possible that this news of an Anfield offer is being used to signal Sporting’s strength at rebutting big offers and hold on to its star players. That seems like the more logical reason because Klopp may have moved on from Gelson.