Red Devil
09-10-2006, 09:51 PM
Sporting Lisbon are refusing to comment on renewed speculation linking their starlet Nani with Manchester United. Last week, Sporting president Soares Franco confirmed his club's stance over the winger - insisting Nani was not for sale. Weekend reports in England and Portugal again stated that United were preparing to test Sporting's resolve over the Portuguese starlet.
"We are not speaking about any news," said a Sporting spokesman. "Nani has a contract with us until June 2008."
United and Sporting have good relations following the purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo - which was part of an on-going cooperation between the two clubs - although Sporting director of communications Miguel Salema has now told the press that the previous agreement is no longer in place.
Much of the Portuguese press also claims that United assistant Carlos Queiroz is key to the deal, both with his contacts at Sporting and within his homeland.
Nani's recent form has seen him become one of the hottest young properties in Europe, and Sir Alex Ferguson is obviously hoping his number two is well placed to secure the 19-year-old.
Sporting themselves are desperate to tie him down to a new contract and it is believed a four-year deal which would take his release clause to €25 million (£16.8 million) - is on the table, but as yet unsigned.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with their head of youth recruitment Frank Arnesen taking a close look in recent weeks - but United would appear to head the queue for Nani at this stage.
Meanwhile, Sporting are trying to tie down two other talents Yannick Djalo and Miguel Veloso. The agent of both, Paulo Barbosa, admitted Sporting were interested in sealing contracts for the pair. "We are not nervous about an agreement because we have just started the season and there is a long way to go," he said. "The kids are happy with Sporting's interest."
Sky Sports News
"We are not speaking about any news," said a Sporting spokesman. "Nani has a contract with us until June 2008."
United and Sporting have good relations following the purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo - which was part of an on-going cooperation between the two clubs - although Sporting director of communications Miguel Salema has now told the press that the previous agreement is no longer in place.
Much of the Portuguese press also claims that United assistant Carlos Queiroz is key to the deal, both with his contacts at Sporting and within his homeland.
Nani's recent form has seen him become one of the hottest young properties in Europe, and Sir Alex Ferguson is obviously hoping his number two is well placed to secure the 19-year-old.
Sporting themselves are desperate to tie him down to a new contract and it is believed a four-year deal which would take his release clause to €25 million (£16.8 million) - is on the table, but as yet unsigned.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with their head of youth recruitment Frank Arnesen taking a close look in recent weeks - but United would appear to head the queue for Nani at this stage.
Meanwhile, Sporting are trying to tie down two other talents Yannick Djalo and Miguel Veloso. The agent of both, Paulo Barbosa, admitted Sporting were interested in sealing contracts for the pair. "We are not nervous about an agreement because we have just started the season and there is a long way to go," he said. "The kids are happy with Sporting's interest."
Sky Sports News