Manchester United have reportedly held 'concrete talks' over a potential move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Red Devils have been linked with several Sporting players since Ruben Amorim left the Portuguese giants to take over the reins at Old Trafford last month.
Gyokeres is among those who have been mentioned as a potential transfer target, having developed a reputation as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe.
The Sweden international is believed to have his 'heart set' on a move to Man United, although he has also been attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Barcelona.
Viktor Gyokeres forward of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal on November 1, 2024© Imago
Man United step up Gyokeres pursuit
According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Man United are stepping up their efforts to prise Gyokeres away from the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The update claims that Man United have held 'initial contract talks' over a potential move in next summer's transfer window.
However, the Red Devils will have to sanction player sales if they are to pull off a deal for Gyokeres ahead of the 2025-26 season.
However, Man United are to face fierce competition from local rivals Manchester City, who have 'intensified their efforts' to secure Gyokeres's signature.
Man City's new director of football Hugo Viana may have a key role to play with the 41-year-old set to leave Sporting for the Etihad Stadium next summer.
Sporting Lisbon's Geovany Quenda and Viktor Gyokeres on September 22, 2024© Imago
Why are Man United targeting Gyokeres?
Amorim can currently call upon Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee as his main centre-forward options.
Zirkzee has seen his future become the subject of much speculation after experiencing a difficult start to life as a Premier League player.
However, the Dutchman received a much-needed confidence boost in Sunday's clash with Everton, netting a brace alongside a Marcus Rashford double to fire Man United to a 2-0 victory.
Man United will hope Zirkzee can produce that sort of form consistently, but they may still look into the possibility of recruiting a new striker, especially if they can sign a prolific goalscorer like Gyokeres.
The 26-year-old has racked up 67 goals in 71 competitive appearances since he left Coventry City for the Portuguese club in the summer of 2023.
Gyokeres was unable to find the net in Sporting's 5-1 Champions League defeat to Arsenal on November 26, but he has demonstrated he can score against Premier League opposition, netting a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Man City last month.
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