Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres has reached a verbal agreement with Sporting CP, allowing him to depart the club if a bid between £50.2million and £58.5m is received during the summer transfer window, according to reports.
This development will undoubtedly delight the Swedish striker's numerous admirers, particularly as the figure is significantly lower than his reported £83.6m release clause.
Gyokeres has drawn attention from some of Europe's top clubs, thanks to his exceptional performances in Portugal following his transfer from Coventry City.
However, due to a sell-on clause held by the Championship side, any potential suitors will be unable to acquire him at a bargain price.
A summer transfer for the 26-year-old appears increasingly likely, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea informed of his agreement with Sporting, according to Sky Germany.
Additionally, Manchester City's incoming sporting director, Hugo Viana, is also aware of the situation. However, United, coached by his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, appear to be out of the frame.
Portuguese outlet A Bola has reported that the superstar forward Gyokeres wants to join Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City rather than United.
Despite an 'inevitable' exit looming and his familiarity with Amorim, the Sweden international appears to prefer an alternative English destination.
Last month, Sporting president Frederico Varandas downplayed the possibility of Gyokeres' departure.
When questioned about his future, Varandas remained noncommittal, stating: "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."
However, Gyokeres has found support in Jon Dahl Tomasson, his international coach, who believes in his potential for success regardless of his next club.
Ahead of Sweden's clash against Northern Ireland, Tomasson proclaimed: "Gyokeres would be fantastic in the Premier League.
"He could play for any club in the world, and he would score a lot of goals anywhere. He and [Alexander] Isak are two quite different players, but they're both world-class strikers.
With a remarkable tally of 40 goals in just 41 appearances this term, following a prolific season where he bagged 43 goals in 50 games, Gyokeres’ value continues to soar amidst speculation.