Manchester United “remain keen” on signing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres but the financial logistics of a move for the 26-year-old striker remain difficult, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe since arriving in Lisbon in 2023 under the watchful eye of Ruben Amorim, who swapped the Portuguese capital for Manchester to replace Erik ten Hag in November.
In 98 games for Sporting, the Swedish international has scored a staggering 95 times and provided a further 27 assists – a rate of return which puts him in a league of his own for goal-scoring across Europe.
Amorim’s trademark 3-4-2-1 system is heavily reliant on a powerful number nine to lead the line and offer a constant outlet in behind.
This enables to team to push up high with the two attacking midfielders operating in the space created by the striker, while the wing-backs push on to provide width and whip balls into the box for the target man.
Gyokeres suits this role perfectly – as demonstrated by his unrelenting scoring habits under the Portuguese manager – in a way which neither of the existing cohort of strikers at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee, have been able to do so.
Given United’s profound struggles in front of goal this season, under both Amorim and Ten Hag, it’s evident why the former Sporting manager is “very keen” to reunite with his former student in Manchester, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports Germany reporter reveals “concrete talks” have already taken place between United and Gyokeres’ representatives but there is “no agreement” so far – “He has not given #MUFC the green light yet.”
Romano contends “nothing is decided so far” in terms of Gyokeres’ next move with a host of clubs across Europe, including Premier League rival Arsenal, in the hunt for the Swede.
The Italian transfer guru states the Red Devils’ interest is genuine – “United remain keen” – but any pursuit of Gyokeres will be heavily dependent on the summer budget, as dictated by player sales and the potential of Champions League qualification through success in the Europa League this season.
“For Man United, the Financial Fair Play budget will be crucial to understand how much they can spend on a striker,” Romano concludes.
United have also been strongly linked with a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap whose contract at Portman Road contains a £30 million release clause now the Tractor Boys have been relegated.
Perhaps Delap represents the more cost-effective option at Old Trafford, should the finances be limited, but Gyokeres is potentially the first-choice target if the stars align this summer.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
