Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have been handed an encouraging update regarding Viktor Gyokeres.
Since November, United have been linked with a move for Gyokeres, with Ruben Amorim keen to add a prolific striker to his squad. However, last month, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas made it clear that the striker wouldn't be departing for €60million (£51m) plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons, as was previously rumoured.
"I can guarantee that Viktor will not leave for €60million plus €10million," Varandas declared. "Viktor already knows and I want Sporting fans to take advantage of this summer, in which they are two-time champions, in which they have a double, to celebrate, to be calm.
"There are only two scenarios: one club respects the price requested by Sporting and Viktor will fulfil his dream, and from that moment we will be ready to attack the targets, or that club does not want Viktor, and Viktor, with a three-year contract, stays at Sporting and we will be very happy."
Sporting are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of €80million (£69m) for their star player.
However, it appears Gyokeres was not pleased with those remarks, despite earlier claims suggesting there's been an understanding between him and the club for a more feasible exit fee than his hefty €100m (£86m) release clause.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has now suggested that Sporting might be open to negotiating the €80m asking price with 'realistic variables', hinting at a possible €70m (£60m) upfront payment with an additional €10m (£8m) in performance-related bonuses.
Gyokeres is expected to return for pre-season training on Monday, July 7, yet whether he will show up remains uncertain amid speculation in Portugal to the contrary.
Elsewhere, Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Gyokeres has turned down financially attractive proposals from Al Hilal and Al Qadisiyah, both of which were willing to pay him millions.
United's failure to win the Europa League, and the resulting absence of European football next season, appears to have hampered their chances of signing the Sweden international.
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