Sporting CP insist they have yet to reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Portugal winger Gelson Martins.
Atleti had offered €25m plus Luciano Vietto and goalkeeper Andre Moreira for Martins, who had been tipped to leave Sporting after masked thugs infiltrated their training ground, but President Sousa Cintra made it clear the offer was not good enough.
“I talked to Gelson for several hours,” he told Correio de Manha.
“I like him a lot and the Sporting fans want him to stay and play with us. Unfortunately, Gelson has had his head turned.
“He’s a great player, but we’re not always able to control our desires. I think the situation’s unpleasant, but I still have hope.
“There are no players available at bargain prices. Atletico came to negotiate and we didn’t reach an agreement.
“Sporting honour their commitments and now want to be respected. There was no agreement because we’re not desperate.
“Agreements are good when they benefit both parties, not just one.”
