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Viktor Gyokeres makes Man United transfer 'U-turn' as £86m timeline emerges

Manchester United transfer news as Viktor Gyokeres' transfer future continues to rumble on as Ruben Amorim awaits dream signing

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is now open to a move to Manchester United

(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to land Viktor Gyokeres after the Sporting CP talisman U-turned on his preference to joining Arsenal this summer.

Gyokeres' transfer saga has been at the heart of the summer window so far, after scoring 54 goals in 52 games last season. The 27-year-old is expected to leave Portugal this window but any progress in a deal has stalled.

A fall-out with Sporting CP and club president Frederico Varandas, who accused the player's agent of claiming the club would accept £59million as part of a gentlemen's agreement, has further delayed a move, with it widely reported that the Portuguese champions want £86m for their star player.

Earlier this month, it was heavily reported that Gyokeres had decided he preferred a move to Arsenal. The Gunners, like United, are in the market for a new No.9 to spearhead their Premier League title charge and have been heavily tipped to splash the cash.

Mikel Arteta's men can offer Champions League football to Gyokeres, something that United are unable to do. However, it's understood that the north Londoners are prioritising a move for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko with a £60m deal in the works.

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United

The Mirror have reported that Gyokeres has now changed his mind on a move to Manchester to reunite with Ruben Amorim. It's claimed that intermediaries have made contact on the player's behalf to signal the 27-year-old's decision to join United.

However, as has been the case with United's pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, the move for Gyokeres won't happen overnight. The Brentford star is understood to be the subject of a £60m+ move since the start of June and it is yet to be finalised.

Once the 25-year-old is signed, United will turn their attention to offloading players to raise funds. The majority of Amorim's squad is understood to be up for sale with a particular keenness to get rid of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

Player sales would then be the trigger for United to open the door to sign Gyokeres. The club's pre-season starts at the beginning of July with them jetting-off to the United States in the middle of the month.

In an ideal world, Amorim and United will have the deal wrapped up in time for the tour. However, it could be some time until United fans get to see Gyokeres in red.

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