Manchester United are among the clubs who have been heavily linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been given the green light to move this summer
Manchester United are poised to sign a new No.9 this summer. But it seems unlikely that Ruben Amorim will be reunited with Viktor Gyokeres, even though the striker has been given the green light to leave Sporting Lisbon in the upcoming transfer window.
The Red Devils have struggled for goals in the Premier League this season, hence their poor position in the table. And while summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has impressed in dispatches, neither he or Rasmus Hojlund have amassed the returns expected of them.
United’s admiration for Gyokeres has been well documented in recent months given Amorim’s relationship with the Sweden international, who has evolved into one of Europe’s most sought after strikers.
However, competition for Gyokeres’ signature this summer is likely to be fierce; especially now he has struck an agreement to leave the club for significantly less than his release clause.
As first revealed by Sky Germany, Sporting and the player have reached an agreement for him to move in the transfer window for a fee between €60-70 million (£50.2m-£58.5m).
READ MORE: Manchester United star plans transfer talks ahead of summer move: ‘Very comfortable’READ MORE: Man Utd and Arsenal receive boost as Viktor Gyokeres transfer agreement reached
Premier League clubs have been informed of said agreement – but seemingly not Manchester United. The reason behind that could be their struggles in the league this season, with Portuguese outlet A Bola outlining earlier this month that Gyokeres was keen on joining a club who could offer him Champions League football next term.
As it stands, United would need to win the Europa League in order to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season given their poor league position.
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Missing out on Gyokeres would be a blow to Amorim, who was also said to be keen on the idea of signing Geovany Quenda from his old club. The 17-year-old winger has recently agreed to join Chelsea.
While United may have to look elsewhere for a striker, they do have other No.9’s on their wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window, including Crystal Palace‘s Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Talks have already been started over a possible transfer, with the Eagles demanding a sum of £40m for the Frenchman. Mateta has scored 15 goals in all competitions this term and is seen as a player who has the physical presence and intelligence to lead the line in an Amorim while still carrying a significant goal threat.
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