Manchester United are unlikely to lure Viktor Gyokeres to the club from Sporting this summer in a significant blow to Ruben Amorim's transfer plans, according to reports. The Red Devils' disastrous season so far is set to prove costly in a crucial transfer window that Amorim and Ineos must get right.
A striker who suits the Portuguese tactician's system is expected to be near the top of the club's priorities amid a severe goalscoring crisis this term.
However, while Gyokeres has been strongly mooted as his preferred option after their deadly relationship in Lisbon, that transfer appears unlikely.
According to The Athletic, it's improbable that the 26-year-old will reunite with Amorim at Old Trafford because he wants to play in the Champions League.
United are 13th in the Premier League, having accumulated just 29 points and scored 28 goals in 24 games this season. A top-five finish is almost certainly out of the question.
Amorim could guide his side into Europe's elite club competition by winning the Europa League in May. However, Gyokeres will be targeted for more appealing projects.
Sporting are reportedly ready to cash in for around £58million this summer, but United would be reluctant to drift away from their strategy of signing younger players at that price.
Gyokeres has scored 77 goals in 85 games since joining Sporting from Coventry City for £20m in 2023.
If he returns to England this summer, it's unlikely to be with United, which has pulled alternative targets into the frame.
The report adds that United have tracked RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko since he played for Slovenian side Domzale in 2018.
It's claimed that the M16 giants have attempted to sign Sesko in the last two summer transfer windows, so it could be a case of third time lucky later this year.
Liam Delap is also said to have previously been discussed and could be available for a cut-price fee if Ipswich Town suffer instant relegation back down to the Championship.
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