Thursday, May 17, 2007

New Nani Deal Increases Buy-Out Clause


Manchester United will have to rethink their plan to approach Sporting Lisbon about Nani and Atlético de Madrid have been priced out of the market after the player penned a new contract with the Portuguese club.

Weeks of speculation have surrounded the gifted 20-year-old with both the Red Devils and los Colchoneros said to be monitoring his situation as the end of the season approached.

Sporting have moved quickly to ensure that they do not lose out on their prodigy and have thrashed out a new deal that will see his basic salary and bonuses increase.

More importantly, however, is the fact the player, has seen his buy-out clause rise to €30m.

That figure has ensured that Atlético are no longer in the running and may deter Manchester United into making a concrete approach this summer.

The new deal signed by Nani is a six-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2013, unless one of the continent's most affluent club's matches his buy-out clause.

United were reported to be close to finalising a deal earlier this month for around €25m, but will have to raise their offer to clinch any deal.

Nani has made no secret that he would fancy teaming up again with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also came through the Sporting youth system.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to capture the left-winger as he views him as the successor to Ryan Giggs in the Red Devils' side.

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