Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
It was reported earlier that Gyokeres had a gentleman’s agreement with the Portuguese side to leave for £59 million this summer.
Club president Frederico Varandas flatly denied the existence of any such clause, vowing not to give in to blackmail and insults.
Gyokeres has now dropped a message via his Instagram story: “There’s a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false.
“I will speak when the time is right.”
The 27-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards after a jaw-dropping 2024–25 season in which he racked up 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions.
Arsenal have also thrown their hat into the ring, setting up a fierce Premier League tug-of-war with United for the red-hot striker.
The Gunners may hold a trump card in the form of Champions League football.
However, United manager Ruben Amorim shares a special connection with Gyokeres, having turned him into a goal machine during their time together at Sporting.
A move to the Theatre of Dreams would not just reunite the pair, but could also give Gyokeres the chance to lead the revival of one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Due to rising tensions between the striker and Sporting’s hierarchy, this saga is far from over and could drag deep into the summer window.
The Portuguese club are expected to stick stubbornly to their valuation and are unlikely to entertain any discounts.
United had initially earmarked Liam Delap as their top target, but the English starlet snubbed them for a move to Chelsea.
Victor Osimhen is another world-class striker who is ready for a summer switch.
Signing Osimhen will boost United’s attack but his staggering wage demands make it almost impossible for the club to sign him.
Gyokeres is a far more realistic target for the Red Devils, but the club first have to generate funds by selling Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com