Gauld returns to Lisbon to begin training with Sporting

Former Dundee United star Ryan Gauld is bidding to kickstart his career at Sporting Lisbon after a transfer saga in Portugal left him in limbo for a month.

Sporting were forced to admit defeat in their attempt to send the midfielder on loan to fellow Portuguese top flight outfit GD Chaves during the transfer window after Vitoria de Setubal blocked the switch.

Gauld, who has not played a competitive match since December 23, was recalled from his loan at Setubal after they knocked his parent club out of the League Cup on January 4.

The Scotland under-21 international – who moved to Portugal in a big money deal in 2014 – has now returned to the Lisbon outfit and rejoined his team-mates on the training field yesterday.

The 21-year-old, who could also be loaned out to the club’s B side, will now try to convince head coach Jorge Jesus that he can play his part in the first team after impressing during his loan stint at Setubal.

Confirming that Gauld and André Geraldes had returned to Sporting, a club statement read: “Sporting will reintegrate the players André Geraldes and Ryan Gauld into its professional football squad.

“Sporting wishes both André Geraldes and Ryan Gauld the best of professional and personal success.”