Sporting Lisbon are refusing to comment on renewed speculation
linking their starlet Nani with Manchester United.
Last week, Sporting president Soares Franco confirmed his club's
stance over the winger - insisting Nani was not for sale.
Weekend reports in England and Portugal again stated that United
were preparing to test Sporting's resolve over the Portuguese
starlet.
"We are not speaking about any news," said a Sporting spokesman.
"Nani has a contract with us until June 2008."
United and Sporting have good relations following the purchase of
Cristiano Ronaldo - which was part of an on-going cooperation
between the two clubs - although Sporting director of
communications Miguel Salema has now told the press that the
previous agreement is no longer in place.
Much of the Portuguese press also claims that United assistant
Carlos Queiroz is key to the deal, both with his contacts at
Sporting and within his homeland.
Nani's recent form has seen him become one of the hottest young
properties in Europe, and Sir Alex Ferguson is obviously hoping his
number two is well placed to secure the 19-year-old
Sporting themselves are desperate to tie him down to a new contract
and it is believed a four-year deal which would take his release
clause to 25 million (£16.8 million) - is on the table, but as yet
unsigned.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with their head of youth
recruitment Frank Arnesen taking a close look in recent weeks - but
United would appear to head the queue for Nani at this stage.