Manchester United's aspirations to bag Swedish hotshot Viktor Gyokeres have hit a major snag following revelations of the hitman's preferred destinations. The prolific striker, whose goalscoring prowess has seen him heavily linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, appears to be slipping from United's grasp. Speculation over a potential switch to Old Trafford intensified after Ruben Amorim took the reins, particularly as the team grapples with a goal drought this season.
But in a twist that will disappoint United fans, it seems that Gyokeres is setting his sights elsewhere. Portuguese news outlet A Bola reveals the sharpshooter's favoured next steps: Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City are the coveted English top-flight clubs he sees himself at, with his departure from Portugal deemed 'inevitable' come the summer window.
With all three rivals on high alert for fresh attacking talents, United could find themselves outflanked in the chase. Arsenal are reportedly on the hunt for firepower upfront, and Liverpool may soon need a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile, City, boasting Erling Haaland and having just brought Omar Marmoush onboard, may not join the chase.
Sporting Lisbon chief Frederico Varandas has kept cards close to his chest about Gyokeres' future amidst the exit talks. Previously quizzed in February, Varandas said: "Gyokeres was leaving in the summer, a year ago, a year and a half ago... Gyokeres was going to leave, anyway. We were champions and he was already leaving.
"In January it was impossible and it remained so. I'm not going to add to it, it's already very media-driven and it's not worth talking about the summer market."
Several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, are reportedly interested in signing him, which could lead to a bidding war with Premier League teams.
Gyokeres has been in sensational form for Sporting, scoring 82 goals in 90 appearances since his move from Coventry. However, former United player Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubts about whether Gyokeres would be a good fit for his old club.
Ferdinand said: "I don't think he's the guy. I've not watched him loads but I've probably watched him three times really, really closely.
"Three times I've watched him and I've gone, he ain't getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don't see it. What else is there?
"Physicality is a massive thing in the game today. A team needs physicality and runners, but I just don't see that in him."
This article first appeared on The Mirror.