Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly not interested in a summer move to Manchester United, as he identifies three alternative Premier League clubs he would like to join instead.
United are expected to be in the market for a new striker, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to consistently come up with the goods. The two stars have a combined five top-flight goals so far this season – a pitiful return to say the least.
Additionally, Hojlund is currently on a 20-game drought while Zirkzee has seemingly transitioned into an attacking midfield role, where he is showing promising signs.
Gyokeres has been mentioned to be a player United are interested in making a move for and speculation has only intensified since Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Erik ten Hag’s successor.
The duo enjoyed a successful partnership at Sporting CP, with the talisman netting most of his 82 goals in 90 appearances under Amorim’s stewardship.
Unsurprisingly, United are not the only party chasing Gyokeres. The Sweden international has also been linked to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Now, Portuguese news outlet A Bola has revealed that the 26-year-old has identified his preferred transfer destinations and United is not among them.
According to A Bola [via the Daily Mail], it is “inevitable” that Gyokeres will part ways with Sporting this summer.
He has a €100m (£84m) release clause but Sporting are willing to accept an offer of around €70m (£59m). While a reunion with Amorim has been mooted, Gyokeres is not keen on such a move and if he were to move to England, would prefer either Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City.
A move outside England is also on the cards and as mentioned, he could also end up at Barcelona, Bayern Munich or PSG. Real Madrid is another potential destination.
Other strikers believed to be on United’s radar include Victor Osimhen (on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Samu Aghehowa (Porto) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace).
United are back in action on Thursday when they face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie with Real Sociedad. The aggregate score currently stands at 1-1 after the first contest in San Sebastian last week.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
