Erling Haaland could play an unlikely role in Manchester United's summer businessErling Haaland could play an unlikely role in Manchester United's summer business
Erling Haaland could play an unlikely role in Manchester United's summer business | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd could be done a favour in the transfer window thanks to Man City star Erling Haaland.
Erling Haaland could reportedly play a key role in Manchester United's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Swedish striker is viewed as the dream addition for Ruben Amorim as he looks to add a natural goalscorer to his first-team squad.
United have already agreed a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves and will make a second bid to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo. They also want to sign a striker in the coming months, with Sporting star Gyokeres a leading candidate for the role. The 27-year-old netted 54 goals in 52 appearances as Sporting won a league and cup double this past season and he could relish the opportunity to outshine close friend Haaland in the Premier League.
According to musician Tom Grennan, Gyokeres views the Man City star as his 'best friend' and would jump at the chance to challenge him with United. Speaking on the BBC podcast 'You About?', Coventry fan Grennan revealed he recently spoke to the former Sky Blues striker about his transfer plans.
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"I know him well," he said. "I actually messaged him and he said that there's different conversations going on. Do you know who his best friend is? Haaland. That is why I think he'll go to Manchester United because he'll be next door to Haaland."
Sporting president breaks silence on Gyokeres dispute
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has hit back at claims the Portuguese club promised Viktor Gyokeres he could leave for just €60 million in the summer transfer window. The Swedish striker has a €100m release clause in his current deal, though reports claimed a gentleman's agreement was in place that he could leave for around €60m plus €10m in bonus payments. It has since been suggested Sporting will not allow their star player to leave for such a low price this summer.
"I tried to take three days off, came back yesterday. I saw so much information and misinformation that it’s only fair to come and explain the process,” he said. “It starts last year, when the season ends and Sporting becomes national champion. During the transfer market, we saw that he would stay because there wasn’t any offer. The agent spoke with us, to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he always did, and very well, managed the relationship with the agents. That relational space is handled by the sporting director.
“One of the agent’s main concerns was whether we would demand the release clause. Hugo Viana was negotiating with the agents, over several meetings, until the agent demanded the presence of the president. In that meeting, where the president, the agent, and Viana were present, Gyökeres was not there, he wanted to ensure certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand the release clause now. For one reason: he was turning 27, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million. In that same meeting, the agent wanted to tie the departure to a value. I said this phrase: ‘There’s no point in setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year. I don’t know if it will be 40, 60, or 80. What I can guarantee is that I won’t demand 100 million euros.
“From that point on, I never spoke with the agent again, nor with the player about departures or values. Now I see the agent spreading information in the press. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyökeres scored 63 goals, 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Surely one of the best players to ever step on Portuguese pitches. And Sporting will not demand the clause. But blackmail, insults, Sporting will not tolerate. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any offer for Gyökeres."
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