Sporting could soon have more reason to remain stubborn as they hold out for as close to Viktor Gyokeres' £85million release as possible this summer. The Portuguese champions are reportedly poised to pocket £47m for Ousmane Diomande after accepting a bid from Crystal Palace.
The centre-back's switch to Selhurst Park would relieve the pressure to sell star forward Gyokeres on the cheap amid an ongoing feud over their stance. Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase for the Swedish superstar, but Sporting are standing firm on their valuation.
Despite the Gunners' interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, Sporting were said to have rejected a £60m bid for Gyokeres in June.
Club president Federico Varandas has publicly denounced the 27-year-old's agent for attempting to manoeuvre his client out of the club.
"Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me," he declared while stressing Gyokeres will not be allowed to leave for as low as £59m.
The prolific striker has been with Sporting for two years, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances, and is tied down until the summer of 2028.
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United and Arsenal's hopes of luring Gyokeres away from Lisbon could have been made more difficult as Palace close in on Diomande.
Portuguese reports claim that Sporting have agreed a £47m deal with Palace, including an advantageous sell-on clause in the deal. It's significantly lower than his £69m release clause.
The 21-year-old defender, who currently earns around £429,000 per year, is set to enjoy a considerable pay rise in south London.
Conversely, Diomande's potential arrival at Selhurst Park may trigger the departure of Palace skipper and England international Marc Guehi.
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Liverpool are reportedly confident in sealing a deal for Guehi, who is entering the last year of his contract and appears unlikely to renew.
It leaves Palace with a decision to either sell him this summer and recoup a fee or allow him to depart on a free transfer next summer.
The FA Cup winners had previously declined to sell Guehi, who turns 25 this month, to Newcastle United.