Sporting have one less obstacle to buy Ioannidis

Levandiakos complicated the negotiations with several demands, but now the issue will be discussed only between Panathinaikos and Sporting.

The Lions used this new information to formalise a new offer on Thursday, for €20m plus €3m for targets and 15 per cent of any capital gains in a future deal. The Greeks were not very receptive.

Despite the initial refusal, negotiations are ongoing and could be resolved by increasing the percentage of future sales or including players in the deal. The Lions have already admitted to rejecting Greek Sotiris, but saw Panathinaikos reject the offer.

Sporting are close to equalling the club’s most expensive transfer, Jokeres. Last season, the Lions paid 20 million euros plus four for goals (1 million euros have already been reached). The Greek forward insists on leaving Panathinaikos, as he knows he can sign a contract for life, win titles and still participate in the Champions League.

Kovacevic: “Of course, I made a mistake”
Goalkeeper Kovacevic, who scored the second goal for Saint-Gilloise (2-2), commented on the move on Thursday. “Of course I made a mistake, but it is from mistakes that we learn,” he said on Thursday during the Lions’ visit to the Odiakhsere Children’s Centre. The 26-year-old Serbian goalkeeper makes no secret of his goals for the new season: “Of course, try to win the championship. We will do everything to win the title again.”