Lions hold firm on €14 million offer as Watford continue to demand close to €20 million
Sporting CP remain in the market for a new left-sided winger, but negotiations for Australian youngster Nestory Irankunda continue to prove challenging as the club and Watford remain apart on the transfer fee.
The Lisbon club have submitted an offer worth around €14 million, plus performance-related bonuses, for the highly rated 20-year-old. However, Watford are standing firm, valuing the winger at around €20 million, including add-ons.
Despite Sporting's strong interest in Irankunda, who is viewed as the ideal profile to strengthen the left wing, the club's hierarchy are unwilling to exceed their pre-established budget. Sporting's board have made it clear that they will not overpay, even for one of their top transfer targets.
The club's confidence in maintaining this stance has been reinforced by the impressive performances of academy prospects Flávio Gonçalves and Jesse Derry during pre-season. Their displays have convinced the coaching staff that Sporting already possess quality internal alternatives in attacking areas, allowing the club to negotiate without urgency.
Sporting remain determined to sign Irankunda, but they are equally determined not to compromise their financial strategy. A deal is expected to happen only if Watford lower their demands and move closer to Sporting's valuation.