Man Utd want to sign a striker in the summer transfer window and here is the latest on the Sporting star.
Manchester United remain 'in contact' with the representatives of Viktor Gyokeres as they look to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window. Ruben Amorim has prioritised the addition of a striker, with his former Sporting star viewed as the dream option in attack.
United have already added to their squad with Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha and are set to submit a second bid for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo. They also want to add a striker to their squad, though Amorim is well aware that they will need to sell players first if they are to spend big on a proven goal scorer.
Liam Delap was identified as the preferred option in attack before he signed for Chelsea, as United viewed his £30 million release clause as the best value for money option in the summer window. It would likely cost double that if they are going to bring someone like Gyokeres to the club instead.
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Fabrizio Romano issues important update
A key factor in the pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres is how much he would actually cost this summer. It is understood an agreement was in place that would allow the star striker to leave for a fee below his €100 million release clause this summer, but Sporting have allegedly reneged on the agreement, with Gyokeres 'furious' they will not allow him to exit for a base fee of €65 million, with a further €10m in add-ons.
It is widely believed Sporting want to cash-in on the Sweden international after such a stellar season and are holding out for a base fee above €65m but less than the €100m release clause in his contract. What that figure is though, remains to be seen.
Writing in his weekly GIVEMESPORT newsletter,Fabrizio Romano said the important next step in his future would be finding out he will actually cost this summer. "The first thing to do is clarify the exit price from Sporting after trouble with the president," he said. "Both Arsenal and Manchester United remain keen and in contact with his camp."
Sporting president denies agreement
"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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