Manchester United appear to have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting star is among the Red Devils’ targets as they eye a new striker this summer, with Ruben Amorim desperate to reshuffle his frontline after a disappointing debut campaign in England.
United have already adhered to the wishes of their manager, signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a deal worth £62.5million and opening talks with Brentford for versatile forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Nevertheless, acquiring the services of a No. 9 remains a priority at the Theatre of Dreams and several options are under consideration, particularly Gyokeres. The Sweden international has enjoyed a remarkable few seasons at Sporting, and a Premier League switch beckons.
After bagging 54 goals and registering 12 assists in all competitions last season, doubts had been raised about whether United would be able to lure the 27-year-old to the club after failing to secure any form of European football. However, that does not appear to be a problem for the striker.
According to talkSPORT, Gyokeres is ‘open’ to a move to United despite their lack of European football. A move has therefore been dubbed a ‘possibility’, but Amorim’s side are hoping to fund any move for the forward with outgoings.
Sporting are demanding £60m to part ways with the forward, which is £25m less than the £85m release clause they inserted into his contract. Despite the clause, the Portuguese outfit have verbally agreed to allow the No. 9 to depart for a lesser fee.
Amorim has remained in close contact with Gyokeres since leaving Sporting for United, and he would ‘relish’ the chance to work with the forward again. However, he will be relying on interest in his fringe stars arriving before other clubs pounce to land his striker target.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are all expected to leave the club this summer after falling out of favour under Amorim. Rasmus Hojlund also faces an uncertain future with the Red Devils after failing to show enough promise to justify his £72m arrival from Atalanta, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amorim do not see eye to eye.
United may have to find suitors quickly for the aforementioned stars, with Chelsea, Arsenal and two Saudi Pro League clubs - Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad – interested in signing Gyokeres this summer.