Viktor Gyokeres is expected to leave Sporting Lisbon when the summer transfer window opens and Manchester United are among the host of clubs linked with signing him
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has revealed that he hasn’t spoken to transfer target Viktor Gyokeres over a potential move to Old Trafford. Gyokeres, 26, is attracting interest from across Europe amid another stunning season with Sporting Lisbon, the club which Amorim left to join United in November.
The Red Devils are among those who are interested in a move, with the Swedish striker’s release clause set at around £60million. Premier League rivals Arsenal are reportedly the best-placed club to sign Gyokeres, who’s scored 52 goals in 48 games this season.
It’s been claimed that the ex-Coventry City striker has drawn up a shortlist of clubs that he’d be open to signing for this summer, with the aim of playing Champions League football. Amorim, though, has told his former player to forget about joining United if his only desire is to play in Europe’s elite competition, which despite their dreadful domestic season, the Red Devils can still qualify for.
Winning the Europa League this month would earn United a place in next season’s Champions League and increase their pulling power during the summer transfer window. But as things stand, Amorim says that a move for Gyokeres isn’t on the agenda.
“I didn’t talk to him,” the United manager told Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg away to Athletic Bilbao.
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“But if a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he won’t come. We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.”
Amorim’s comments come after new Sporting boss Rui Borges acknowledged that Gyokeres’ time in Lisbon could well be coming to an end. “Viktor is a player. I think there are no words,” Borges said last month.
“It is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years. He is clearly above average. Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are.
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“Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional. I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.
“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”
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