Manchester United’s hunt for a striker is beginning to take shape with interest in Viktor Gyokeres heating up.
Having announced the signing of Matheus Cunha, focus will now move on to additional signings.
Manchester United will hope to seal Bryan Mbeumo in the very near future as major signing number two of the summer transfer window.
Following these two additions, it seems nailed on that United will look to sign a new number nine.
One option is Victor Osimhen, who United remain very keen on signing, as the player also fancies a move. Meanwhile, United are formalising their interest in Viktor Gyokeres with an official bid expected despite Ineos having problems with the Sweden international’s camp.
How much will Manchester United have to pay to sign Viktor Gyokeres
Signing Gyokeres looked like a deal that would be easy to complete, with his price tag being slashed to a bargain £59m.
However, this week the gentleman’s agreement in question has been denied, with the Sporting president revealing Gyokeres won’t be sold for £50m plus £8.7m in add-ons.
So, to learn more about what Sporting will want from a Gyokeres sale, United in Focus has spoken with transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
“He will go for less than the release clause, and I think €80m (£68m) is probably about right for Gyokeres and Sporting. United thought €70m (£59m) would do it and Gyokeres did as well, however, if €70m (£59m) is on the table, I think Sporting will consider it and it won’t be far away.”
This figure up front would probably end up close to a figure Sporting would consider; however, offers thus far seem to be less up front. £68m all in would still be a good deal for United, considering the upgrade he would be on the current options.
Joshua Zirkzee is a forward in demand this summer
With a new starting number nine on the cards, Ineos will likely be looking to get rid of current senior strikers who have been underperforming.
On the possible striker exits, Bailey explained to United in Focus that despite Rasmus Hojlund claiming he wants to stay at Old Trafford, his future lies away from United.
“United will sign a new striker, Hojlund will be leaving despite saying he wants to stay.”
Hojlund has accepted that his United career is over and is actively searching for an exit. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is a player United are not desperate to get rid of, but the Dutchman has a lot of suitors.
“Zirkzee is an interesting one, as there is a lot of interest in him, but they aren’t desperate to sell. The club was delighted with Zirkzee and how he bounced back after a tough start to the season.”
There are persistent rumours that United could use Zirkzee in a bid for Osimhen, potentially as Napoli like the United number 11.
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