Despite being linked with a host of top European clubs, prolific FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez isn’t expecting to leave to leave Portugal in the up-coming transfer window — well, at least that’s what his agent has been telling the press.
Liverpool, who have been continually linked with the Colombian, are apparently being joined by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in expressing interest in the 28-year old goal machine. While figures tend to vary, offers somewhere in the region of £40mil, or, a little less than that and Spurs flop Roberto Soldado in part exchange, are apparently being mooted for the hit-man. While a move to England would certainly represent a step up for Martinez in both the prestige and salary stakes, his agent Henrique Pompeu isn’t having any of it, insisting he’s not going anywhere quite yet.
“He is happy. He wants to be champion in Portugal and go far in the Champions League” he explained when asked about the strikers much speculated future. “There is plenty of talk, but he has an agreement with Porto and will respect it. He won’t leave in January.”
Although Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has ruled out bringing in any reinforcements in January, should the Reds progress to the Round of 16 in the Champions League and get their Premier League season back on track, the Northern Irishman may be able to squeeze out a few more shekels from the Anfield hierarchy. Now, whether that amount will be enough to stump up for someone as pricey as Martinez remains to be seen, but if Daniel Sturridge remains sidelined into the New Year, they’re going to have to look at bringing someone in who can find the net. Considering the Colombian has a goal in each of his five Champions League appearances, it’s a pretty safe bet that he knows exactly what the net looks like…
