Sporting CP have stepped up their pursuit of Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda, with fresh negotiations raising hopes the Portuguese giants are closing in on one of Australia’s brightest young talents.
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The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Watford FC after an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign further enhanced his reputation across Europe, with Sporting identifying the exciting winger as a priority signing.
According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Sporting have now submitted an improved offer worth €16 million (A$26 million) plus performance-related bonuses as they look to break the deadlock with the English club.
While the latest proposal has narrowed the gap between the two clubs, Watford are reportedly still holding out for around €20 million for the 60 per cent of Irankunda’s rights they own.
The latest offer follows an earlier proposal from Sporting worth a reported €20 million, made up of €15 million upfront and a further €5 million in performance-related bonuses, which also failed to convince Watford to part with the Australian winger.
Interest in Irankunda has been strong throughout the transfer window.
Watford also rejected an offer worth around £10 million (A$19.1 million) from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, who could have handed the Socceroos youngster an opportunity in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
Pressure grows on Infantino and FIFA | 00:52
Negotiations have also been complicated by Bayern Munich, who retain 40 per cent of Irankunda’s rights following his move to Watford.
The Bundesliga giants initially held a 50 per cent sell-on clause before Watford negotiated to buy back a further 10 per cent, leaving Bayern entitled to a significant portion of any future transfer fee.
That arrangement is understood to be one of the key reasons Watford continue to hold firm on their valuation, with the Championship club eager to maximise its return before agreeing to a sale.
Despite the remaining hurdles, optimism is reportedly growing that Sporting’s renewed push could finally pave the way for Irankunda’s long-awaited move to Portugal, with discussions between the clubs continuing.
ANGE AND RONALDO FINALLY MEET
It was the pre-season image that Australian football fans have been waiting for.
And it finally came overnight with Al-Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou finally meeting his star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was reporting to training for the first time since the end of the World Cup.
The pair shook hands and Postecoglou offered a hearty smile before pulling in one of the greatest players off all time for a warm Australian hug.