A former teammate of Viktor Gyokeres has picked out the Sporting Lisbon star’s “preferred destination” amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

Gyokeres – who was the 2024 top scorer in Europe – has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City for around £15m.

26-year-old Gyokeres has 33 goals in his 31 appearances this season and he’s expected to move to the Premier League in the summer.

Man Utd and Arsenal are among the clubs in the market for the forward and are understood to be interested in the Sweden international.

Gyokeres previously had an unsuccessful stint at Brighton and played alongside former Premier League striker Glenn Murray, who has opened up on his struggles for the Seagulls.

“Viktor, he was a young lad at the club and was he up to the level? Well, the manager didn’t think he was up to the level. We were in a squad where we were in survival mode, and you couldn’t really bring lads in to develop them,” Murray said.

READ: Nimble Brighton show why Manchester United remain anchored to depths under Ruben Amorim

“In all honesty, it was one of those situations where he made that hard decision to leave the Premier League and in hindsight, it was the right decision to leave.

“You could always see there was a player in there, but at that point in time he was playing off the left. He liked coming in off the left and shooting. He was never really an out-and-out nine. I’m not sure if that’s because Aaron Connolly was in the same age group as him and he was the one that was doing really well at that moment.

“I’m not sure if Viktor preferred it or he kind of got shunted out to the left. But you could see that there was a desire and a hunger and the capability for him to become a full-time professional player and make it in the game.”

Murray has also picked out Man Utd as his “likely preferred destination” amid his strong relationship with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.

“He’s smashed every question down so far, so he definitely deserves his chance in the Premier League, and I think with his confidence and ability he would be a success,” Murray added.

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“Did I see it coming what has happened? Probably not. It just shows what belief in yourself, other people’s beliefs and confidence can do for you.

“I think the way he’s worked it and what he’s done, it’s pretty much the perfect blueprint for any young professional that might not be ripe to burst into the Premier League. Let’s face it, very, very few are at such a tender age.

“To have a few loans, to go out to Coventry, which was the right fit for him, and the team was built around him to score goals, and then the move to Sporting. When you go to a league like that, you’ve been backed. They paid a lot of money for you, you’re going to get your time, and you’re going to get your chance.

“He’s taken it with both hands and now the next step is one of the big leagues in Europe. Hopefully, that is the Premier League. Obviously, with his old manager being here, it’s quite likely that if he does decide to come here, Manchester United are going to be his preferred destination.”

Ruben Amorim has been criticised by two pundits for claiming that his side are the “worst team maybe in the history” of Man Utd.

The Red Devils looked like they might have turned a corner after a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield and a penalty shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup third round earlier this month.

But two poor performances against Southampton, although Man Utd ended up winning 3-1, and Brighton have deflated supporters.

Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter scored the goals as the Seagulls beat the Red Devils 3-1 and leave Amorim’s side 13th in the Premier League table.

Amorim hasn’t improved the Red Devils’ position in the Premier League table since he took over from Erik ten Hag in November and the Portuguese head coach made a shocking statement that his side are the “worst team maybe in the history” of Man Utd.

Speaking after the match against Brighton, Amorim said: “In [the past] 10 games in Premier League, we won two. Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me.

“We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”

Amorim added: “I knew that was going to be hard to put a completely new idea in the moment, but when you lose games and don’t win three games in a row it becomes really hard.

“Everybody here is underperforming and we have to accept that. It is unacceptable to lose so many games. The opponents are better than us in many details.

“We cannot be consistent and I’m not helping my players in the moment. You have to acknowledge we are in a very difficult situation, with all the bad records, as losing games at home, losing games in the Premier League.

“I know we can succeed but I am not naive. We need to survive this moment. But I am not going to change, no matter what.”

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Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol insists he was “shaking his head” at Amorim’s comments after the match and told the Man Utd boss that “you can’t say that”.

Nicol told ESPN: “I’m shaking my head. You can’t say that. For him to come out and say that, you just can’t do it.

“I don’t know what he thinks the reaction from the players is going to be after that. You just can’t say it. Sometimes you just need to lie.”

Ex-MLS player Alejandro Moreno added: “It’s not helpful. I’m not asking you to lie to me but the players will know they’re not very good and know they’re struggling.

“They don’t really need their manager to tell the world that. It doesn’t fill me with loads of confidence if I’m a player in that dressing room.

“I don’t think the players needed to hear that. The one person who can’t lose faith in the players is the manager. If he loses faith, then everything else falls apart.

“You have to lie, you misrepresent the truth, you repackage the message and present a new reality.”

A new report has revealed the ‘real reason’ why Manchester United are letting £86m flop Antony join La Liga outfit Real Betis on loan.

The Brazil international has been a huge flop at Man Utd as he’s failed to live up to expectations following his £86m move from Ajax in 2022.

Antony was made United’s top target ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, but his dire form ensured he slipped in the pecking order before the Dutchman was sacked in October.

The winger has also barely featured under Ruben Amorim and it’s clear he is not part of the head coach’s plans. He has only made 14 appearances this season and has not made a single Premier League start.

The 24-year-old has been linked with several European and Saudi Pro League sides in recent months but Real Betis have emerged as his most likely destination.

READ: Nimble Brighton show why Manchester United remain anchored to depths under Ruben Amorim

It’s become increasingly apparent that he is going to join Real Betis and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Monday morning that this deal is ‘verbally agreed’.

He said: “Antony to Real Betis, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties with Man United too.

“Documents being checked; then time for travel and medical tests. United will let him leave on loan deal with 𝐧𝐨 buy clause. He’ll be formally back to United in June.”

A report from The Boot Room reveals the ‘real reason’ why Man Utd changed their stance on Antony’s exit after they were initially against a short-term exit amid one ‘concern’ with ‘the success’ of one player ‘convincing’ INEOS to sanction the deal.

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The report explained:

‘Manchester United, who have been wary of a short-term deal for Antony, have been partly convinced due to Vitor Roque’s success on loan from Barcelona at Real Betis.

‘Anthony Martial’s unsuccessful six-month loan spell at Sevilla is a key factor behind United being reticent about a similarly short-term deal involving the Brazilian international.

‘But with Roque becoming one of Manuel Pellegrini’s most trusted players this campaign, Ruben Amorim’s side now have a reason to believe that the former Ajax winger could also turn his career around at Betis.

‘Antony has been convinced by both Pellegrini and Roque to make the move to Spain. TBR Football understands that the FA Cup winner is of the belief that a move to the La Liga side could aid his redemption as he has managed to persuade the Red Devils to send him on out on loan.

‘The prospect of a permanent transfer to Real Betis does not lie in the Osasco-born forward’s destiny as the Spanish club do not have the finances to fund such a move.’

According to journalist David Ornstein, Manchester United are ‘in talks’ to sign Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu while two alternatives have been ruled out.

The Red Devils are yet to make a January signing as they have been focused on outgoings, but they are reportedly looking to sign Dorgu.

It has been widely reported that their priority is to sign a left wing-back as Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have had to play out of position with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries.

With Ruben Amorim‘s side known to be in the market for a new wing-back, it’s hardly a surprise that they are linked with several potential targets and Dorgu has been mentioned.

The 20-year-old – who has been capped a couple of times for Denmark – has already made 47 appearances for Serie A outfit Lecce as he’s impressed over the past 18 months.

READ: Nimble Brighton show why Manchester United remain anchored to depths under Ruben Amorim

In a report from The Athletic, Ornstein confirmed they are ‘in talks’ to sign Dorgu and ‘dialogue is progressing’ between the two clubs.

‘Discussions have begun over the 20-year-old as United line up options ahead of making decisions on ins and outs this month.

‘Nothing is yet agreed but dialogue is progressing with head coach Ruben Amorim keen to add reinforcements in the January window amid a run of form that has seen his new side slip to just 10 points above the Premier League’s relegation zone.

‘He signed a new contract in October that runs until 2028. United’s squad is in need of more players suited to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation with Dorgu, who has featured on both flanks, seen as one of that profile.’

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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has backed up this report and ruled out two alternatives, while journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed how much Dorgu could cost.

Romano revealed: “Manchester United are set to open formal talks with Lecce for Patrick Dorgu, no bid has been sent so far.

“As exclusively revealed two weeks ago, he’s high on Man United’s list as Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are both considered too expensive. Dorgu, 100% keen on the move.”

Jacobs added: “Patrick Dorgu on Manchester United’s radar, as previously reported.

“#MUFC now actively exploring a move, as @David_Ornstein called.

“Lecce have asked for €40m+ in the past but #MUFC hoping a deal possible for €25m-30m. No bid yet.”

A move for Mendes is unlikely as it’s emerged that the PSG star is set to sign a new contract to commit his future to the Ligue Un giants beyond 2026.

Since this update, it’s emerged that the Red Devils have their eye on Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri, who would be a more expensive alternative to Dorgu.