Wednesday, 13th August, 2014



The transfer saga surrounding Sporting Lisbon defender Marco Rojo has taken another twist after the group that helped fund the deal for the Portuguese club to buy the Argentine criticised the stance taken by president Bruno de Carvalho.

Manchester United have made a €20m bid for Rojo and the player is desperate to be allowed to move to Old Trafford. Indeed, to force through the transfer he has skipped training and handed in a transfer request.



Carvalho has started disciplinary proceedings against Rojo, along with fellow wantaway player Islam Slimani, and is adopting a hard line over over his potential departure.

Now Doyen Sports, who helped fund 75 per cent of the transfer to take Rojo from Spartak Moscow to Sporting Lisbon in 2012, have hit out at Carvalho's stance in a lengthy statement.

 


And while Doyen Sports have promised not to interfere over Rojo and insist that it is for the club to decide whether he is sold, they do state that the Portuguese giants must, if the deal does not go through "compensate the fund under the terms and deadlines as set forth".

relatedNewsStory

The pressure is now firmly being turned up on Sporting Lisbon as they attempt to hold onto Rojo and compel him to end his AWOL status and return to the club.

Manchester United's offer meanwhile remains on the table, with the centre-back-cum-left-back desperate to complete a move to Old Trafford, and Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal keen to have him.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.