Manchester United transfer news as Sporting CP sanction transfer for life after Viktor Gyokeres that could spark United's dream transfer
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Manchester United have been handed an encouraging update in their pursuit to land Sporting CP and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the new financial year.
Gyokeres is one of Europe's most in-demand players this summer after scoring a sensational 97 goals in 102 matches since joining Sporting in 2023. He bagged 39 league goals last season to help them win a league and cup double.
It was widely expected that Gyokeres would be the centre of one of the most hectic transfer sagas this window but fall-out with Sporting CP over his price tag has left his future in limbo. Arsenal are also understood to be keen but are prioritising a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Reports this week have claimed that Gyokeres has made a U-turn on United after previously preferring a move to the Emirates Stadium. Now, with the new financial year approaching on July 1, Gyokeres' move could finally be about to materialise.
Germanijak.HR in Croatia have reported that Sporting CP have set their sights on Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic to replace Gyokeres. The report claims that the Croatian striker has plenty of suitors after scoring 20 goals last season.
The striker joined the Belgian side last summer after impressing for Rijeka, helping end Union SG's 90-year wait to be crowned champions. In 46 games, Ivanovic bagged an impressive 16 goals in the Pro League.
It's led to reports that Sporting have already made their move to sign the 21-year-old with an offer of €20million (£17m). The opening bid was rejected by Union SG with the Belgium champions setting a price tag of €30m (£25.6m), at the very minimum.
Besiktas and clubs from Italy and Germany are also showing interest in Ivanovic. However, Sporting are currently the only club to launch a formal proposal to sign him this summer.
Sporting already have Conrad Hamer at the club but losing Gyokeres is expected to force them to bring in a replacement. Ivanovic's potential move to Lisbon would be the ultimate green light for United to finally land their target.
Getting a striker for under £30m with an impressive goalscoring record may also help United in their negotiations for Gyokeres. Sporting CP are said to want around £68m for the striker, despite a 'gentleman's agreement' being in place to allow him to leave for less.
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