Monaco beat Newcastle to loan signing of Gelson Martins from Atletico Madrid
Move paves the way for Alvaro Morata to join the Spanish club from Chelsea
Sunday 27 January 2019 13:40, UK
Monaco have completed the signing of forward Gelson Martins on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.
It paves the way for Alvaro Morata to join the Spanish club on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season.
Newcastle were also interested in the Portuguese international but he has opted for a move to Ligue 1.
Rafael Benitez had made enquiries over his services and is in the market for two attacking players before Thursday's deadline.
Martins has struggled for game time with the La Liga side, making only 12 appearances under manager Diego Simeone since joining them from Sporting Lisbon last July.
Martins scored 13 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions last term.
He represented his country from U18 to U23 levels before making his full senior debut against Andorra in September 2016 and he has since gone on to earn 21 caps.
