Everton have no chance of signing Gelson Martins for just £30 million

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This week has seen Everton among many Premier League clubs linked with a move for Portuguese winger Gelson Martins.

The Daily Star mentioned Everton as one of several teams keen on the Atletico Madrid winger.

They claim a £30 million price-tag is on the 23-year-old’s head, but that could apparently double next summer.

However, as great a signing as Martins would be for Everton, this boat has sailed.

If Everton wanted Martins, their chance came this summer. He was one of several Sporting Lisbon players to nullify their contract in the Portuguese capital this summer. It came after fans attacked the club’s training ground. Citing safety and failure to provide protection issues, many top players left. For example, Rui Patricio, the goalkeeper heading to Wolves.

So Everton could have bagged him for free this summer.

Atletico got the player, who scored 13 and assisted the same amount last term.

In signing him Los Colchoneros tied him down to a six-year deal. Such a lengthy contract will no doubt see Atletico ask for a far bigger amount than £30 million.

The La Liga side are undoubtedly fans of a quick profit, but also drive a hard bargain. Managing to convince them into the £30 million sale of Martins after just six months? That would be a masterstroke from Everton that seems very unlikely.