Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United latest amid transfer row and rival interest
Latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours including rumoured striker target Viktor Gyokeres
Manchester United have been among the busier clubs in the early stages of the summer, with a deal for Matheus Cunha already wrapped up.
It’s also been widely reported that the Red Devils are pushing to secure a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, having received an indication from the player that he’s keen on a switch to Old Trafford. That would be a major boost for Ruben Amorim’s side, who missed out on European football following a disappointing Premier League campaign and a Europa League final defeat.
However, United may not stop there, as they continue to be linked with further attacking reinforcements amid ongoing uncertainty over the futures of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho. Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who worked under Amorim in Portugal, is another name repeatedly mentioned as a potential target this summer.
Here, MEN Sport rounds up the latest news and speculation surrounding Gyokeres’ future and the possibility of a transfer to United...
Transfer fee row
Gyokeres’ departure from Sporting is unlikely to be a straightforward saga, with reports of a dispute over the expected transfer fee emerging in recent days. The Sweden international is said to be furious with the club after they allegedly reneged on a gentleman’s agreement to allow him to leave for a reasonable fee this summer, having stayed for an additional season in Portugal.
According to the latest from Portuguese outlet Record, the 27-year-old has informed Sporting that he will not play for them again and has no intention of returning for pre-season. The report also claims he is prepared to cut his holiday short in order to speak publicly on the matter, feeling he has been disrespected.
Despite having a €100 million release clause in his contract, Gyokeres’ representatives believe there was an understanding he could leave for around €60 million this summer. Record now suggest Sporting are using the rising interest in the striker to drive up the asking price.
Numerous clubs interested
United have long been linked with Gyokeres, who scored a remarkable 54 goals across all competitions last season. Record report that Arsenal are also in the mix and were once considered favourites to sign him, though that may have shifted in recent weeks as they appear to be stepping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Juventus and Al-Hilal have also been credited with interest. The Saudi side’s involvement is particularly notable, having recently missed out on a mega move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the Club World Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Gyokeres prefers a move within Europe, where he could continue to compete for major honours.
Friend verdict
Gyokeres remains close friends with musician Tom Grennan from his time in England at Championship side Coventry City.
Speaking on the BBC podcast 'You About?', Grennan shared his thoughts on where the striker could end up this summer: "I know him well. I actually messaged him and he said that there's different conversations going on.
"Do you know who his best friend is? Haaland. That is why I think he'll go to Manchester United because he'll be next door to Haaland."
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