Thursday, 25th July, 2013
FC Porto have given a near-instant response to reports that Jackson Martinez is heading for Napoli, as president Pinto da Costa maintained the player was going nowhere.
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez today praised Martinez’s abilities as speculation grew over his move being all but complete.
Napoli have been very active in the transfer market this summer, and only today confirmed the arrivals of high-profile names Pepe Reina and Gonzalo Higuain.
Benitez is seemingly hungry for more players and a transfer fee in the range of €30m was being tipped for Colombia international Martinez, whose contract runs until 2016.
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However, Da Costa has now rejected the suggestions, instead claiming a contract extension was imminent for the 26-year-old striker.
"It is not true that Jackson has an agreement with Napoli", Da Costa was quoted by Portuguese outlet O Jogo as saying.
"He will continue playing at Porto and we are dealing with the issue of his contract renewal."
Martinez had a major hand in Porto’s title win last season, contributing 26 goals in 30 games.
He joined Porto from Mexican side Jaguares de Chiapas in 2012, while he has earned himself a healthy 18 caps with Colombia’s national side.
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