Manchester United have supposedly made 'initial contact' over a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres as they intensify their efforts to sign the Swedish superstar.
With Arsenal seemingly putting all of their eggs in the Benjamin Sesko basket and Barcelona ruling themselves out of the running, the door is open for Man United to strike a deal for Gyokeres.
Even though the Red Devils are not playing any form of European football next season, Gyokeres is believed to be open to reuniting with Ruben Amorim at the Theatre of Dreams.
The former Coventry City man blossomed into one of Europe's most lethal marksmen under the Portuguese, and he continued to find the back of the net for fun after Amorim's exit.
Gyokeres registered an astounding 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all tournaments last season, and the consensus is that he has now played his last match in a Sporting kit.
Man United 'approach' Gyokeres through intermediaries
Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates on March 9, 2025
The Green-Whites still have him under contract for another three seasons, but they will not stand in his way of an exit and have even agreed to reduce his release clause.
Now, Sky Sports News claims that an initial approach has been made by Man United to Sporting through intermediaries, as the Red Devils step up their pursuit of the 27-year-old attacker.
The club are now 'exploring the conditions' of a deal to bring Gyokeres back to England, and a fee of £58m may do the trick, despite the striker's £84m release clause.
The Sweden international could form part of a new-look attack alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the latter of whom has reportedly decided on a 'priority' club amid interest from Man Utd and Spurs.
Gyokeres previously made the bench for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, and he has since recorded a terrific 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 matches for Sporting across all competitions since 2023.
Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund on April 17, 2025
Some players have to fight for their place in the starting lineup when they arrive at a new club, but Gyokeres will no doubt slot straight into the Amorim system at the tip of the attack.
The misfiring Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee will therefore have to accept backup roles if they stay at the club next season, although talk of a return to Serie A for the former is gathering pace.
Inter Milan's president has confirmed that his side hold an interest in the Denmark international, and the Nerazzurri are now said to have made contact to discuss a deal.
Hojlund has stressed that he expects to remain at Man United, though, and there have not yet been any concrete bids for Zirkzee either, so the Dutchman is also likely to be given a second chance unless an offer comes in that is too good to turn down.
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