Tuesday, 30th July, 2013
Speculation around the future of FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez has taken a new turn as the player’s agent arrived in Italy yesterday, amid reports that a deal with Napoli was on the cards.
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez is an admirer of Martinez – author of 26 league goals for Porto last season – who has three years left on his contract.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss is keen to bring more force into his attacking line-up, and Martinez is understood to fit the bill.
Martinez’s agent Luis Manuel Manso landed in Milan yesterday, and very quickly the questions turned to whether a deal was imminent.
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However, the agent has denied any such development, telling Portuguese daily O Jogo: "Yes, I’m in Italy, but it has nothing to do with [Martinez]. I have meetings with three clubs because of Jhon Cordoba."
Meanwhile, despite Napoli’s attempts to secure Martinez, Porto president Pinto da Costa maintains the player is going nowhere.
Indeed, Da Costa revealed last week there had been no agreement in place with Napoli, contrary to media reports, and that he was working to extend Martinez’s contract.
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