Man United open talks with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres, who wants Old Trafford move | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over a potential Old Trafford transfer for the sensational Viktor Gyokeres.

The striker position is thought to be one of the key positions Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are eager to bolster ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rasmus Hojlund, despite showing signs of his brilliance and the player he can develop into, still needs help. The young Dane simply can’t be relied upon to solely lead the line for United every week. The club also requires quality depth up front.

Combine this with the fact that Anthony Martial is expected to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires and it’s easy to see why United desperately need a new top-class talisman.

Already, the Red Devils have been linked to players like Ivan Toney, Joshua Zirkzee, Victor Osimhen and of course, Gyokeres.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that United are prepared to trigger the €100m release clause contained in the Sweden international’s contract.

Gyokeres joined Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City last summer and has been a revelation in Portugal since the switch.

The Stockholm-born footballer has plundered a mind-boggling 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 Liga NOS appearances. Across all competitions, Gyokeres has managed 36 goals and 14 assists across 43 matches. This term, he has emerged as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers and it’s no surprise a bevvy of elite clubs are pursuing him.

Alongside United, Chelsea, Arsenal and AC Milan have been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old.

According to HITC, Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to steal a march on their rivals in the hotly-contested race for Gyokeres and have already established contact to explore the possibility of luring him to the Theatre of Dreams.

The publication reports, “United have been assessing a number of options, but Gyokeres is one who has stood out to the club’s hierarchy and it is understood that new minority owners INEOS – are willing to push ahead with transfer plans, if it means on not missing out on certain targets.”

“United are looking at their options and the likes of Harry Kane and Ivan Toney are in their thinking, and now HITC can reveal that talks have taken place over a possible deal for Gyokeres – who has indicated to Sporting he is ready to move this summer.”

“Italian giants AC Milan had been leading the chase since the turn of the year, but such has been the form for Sporting – rivals are now circling and a move back to England looks increasingly likely for the Swede, who moved to Portugal from Coventry City last summer having previously being with Brighton.”

HITC insist that United “have made a move” for Gyokeres and the talisman is “more than open” to joining the 20-time English champions.

However, there is one major hurdle that United will need to overcome – Liverpool.

It’s understood that the Merseysiders are in talks with current Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to succeed Jurgen Klopp. As the Anfield outfit work to finalise a deal, they’re aware that Amorim may be further enticed by bringing some members of his squad with him to Liverpool – Gyokeres falls under this category.

Liverpool are also weighing up a swoop for a forward amidst uncertainty over the long-term future of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.

Nevertheless, it’s looking promising for United if they intend to press forward with a deal to land Gyokeres. It’s up to Ratcliffe and INEOS to ensure they’re not pipped to the player by Liverpool.

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