Manchester United are watching developments over Viktor Gyokeres closely as the drama around the Sporting striker continues.
Ruben Amorim is looking to build an entirely new frontline as Manchester United prepare for the new season.
Matheus Cunha has already joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but further attacking signings are wanted.
Bryan Mbeumo wants to join United from Brentford this summer and could join Cunha in the number 10 roles under Amorim.
That still leaves a new centre forward, with United looking for another goalscorer after Rasmus Hojlund’s disappointing season.
Hugo Ekitike is a top target for United, but Amorim may prefer to reunite with his former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring against Boavista.
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Viktor Gyokeres snubs Sporting meeting amid Manchester United pursuit
Gyokeres has been connected to United ever since Amorim quit sporting for the Old Trafford hot seat in November.
The Swede was a goal machine under Amorim, and United have made contact to sign Gyokeres this summer.
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The situation has become something of a soap opera, though, as Gyokeres is now furious with Sporting for not selling him.
Gyokeres believes he had a gentleman’s agreement that Sporting would sell him for much less than his release clause, having decided to stay last summer.
Sporting are standing firm on their valuation, leaving Gyokeres to believe that he is being priced out of a move away.
Record now claim that Sporting have offered to hold a meeting with Gyokeres in order to thrash out their differences – but the striker has refused.
Gyokeres feels so hurt that he doesn’t even want to speak to Sporting; he just wants to be sold.
This situation has been going on for more than a week now, with no sign of a resolution between Sporting and Gyokeres.
United will be lurking with intent, though Amorim may need to sell some players in order to afford Gyokeres.
State of play in the striker transfer market
United will have one eye on Gyokeres and will be looking to sense the right time to make a move as his stand-off with Sporting continues.
Other clubs may also be keen on Gyokeres, but United appear to have a strong chance of signing him after all.
Real Madrid have turned down Gyokeres, having been offered the chance to make a move, while Arsenal have been chasing Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Chelsea have signed Liam Delap and Gyokeres may find that his transfer options are slowly diminishing this summer.
United don’t have Champions League football on offer but will hope that Gyokeres fancies working with Amorim again, especially if other clubs focus on different striking targets.