Manchester United appear to have a very real chance to sign Viktor Gyokeres as the striker attempts to leave Sporting.
Manchester United’s first three signings of the summer transfer window could easily be a brand new frontline.
Matheus Cunha has already agreed to join United from Wolverhampton Wanderers and will come in as a number 10 under Ruben Amorim.
United’s first bid for Bryan Mbeumo was snubbed last week, but the Brentford forward is still expected to arrive at Old Trafford.
Mbeumo will likely join Cunha as a number 10 in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, but that still leaves United searching for a centre forward.
Inter have eyed Rasmus Hojlund despite a disappointing season, and United could splash the cash on a new goalscorer.
Viktor Gyokeres ‘furious’ with Sporting amid Manchester United contact
Liam Delap joined Chelsea earlier in the window, with United missing out on his services.
Amorim must now pivot to another target and, unsurprisingly, Viktor Gyokeres is the name on everybody’s lips.
Gyokeres was a goal machine under Amorim at Sporting, and a reunion between the pair makes perfect sense.
Amorim has stayed in contact with Gyokeres, and with Arsenal focusing on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, United may have a chance to strike a deal.
United have held talks to land Gyokeres and Portuguese newspaper Record now claim that the Swede is ‘furious’ with Sporting.
Gyokeres feels that he had a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting for much less than his €100million (£84million) release clause.
Gyokeres stayed in Lisbon last summer on that basis, believing that a €70million (£59million) deal would be accepted this summer.
Instead, Sporting are believed to have demanded €80million (£67million) for Gyokeres during talks with interested clubs.
Gyokeres is now described as being angry that Sporting are going back on their agreement, believing that his loyalty last summer should be rewarded with an exit.
United will be monitoring this situation very closely and will hope Gyokeres’ frustration can help force Sporting’s hand.
- READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres breakdown: 67 goal contributions in 52 appearances and more impressive statistics
Viktor Gyokeres prepared to snub Saudi Arabian interest
Reporter Ben Jacobs adds that Gyokeres is a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, who are undoubtedly dangling major cash in front of the striker.
However, Jacobs claims that Gyokeres wants to stay in Europe rather than jet off to the Middle East.
That helps United’s pursuit, as does the fact that Premier League rivals appear to be focusing on other strikers – or have already signed centre forwards this summer.
Gyokeres has a personal connection with Amorim as well, meaning a deal for the Sporting star feels more likely than at any point in recent months.
Mbeumo appears to be the priority, and United may need to sell some players before Gyokeres can be signed, but he may well become the spearhead of Amorim’s new-look attack.
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