DONE DEAL: Manchester United seal move for £70M winger who has been compared to Lamine Yamal this season
Manchester United have upped the ante in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres after head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear to the Old Trafford hierarchy that he is desperate to seal a reunion with the Sporting star ahead of his first full season at the helm, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Bryan Mbeumo has decided that Manchester United is his preferred destination ahead of his potential exit from Brentford, increasing the possibility of securing additional firepower, while Gyokeres could become a teammate after being earmarked as a leading target after being labelled the ‘hottest striker in Europe’ by journalist Mark Ogden.
Red Devils Reach Out Over Deal for Gyokeres
Amorim has been eager to seal reunion with Sweden international
Manchester United have made informal contact in an attempt to discover whether a deal for Gyokeres will be possible, according to GMS sources, meaning that Amorim has edged closer to having his wish granted after always wanting members of the recruitment department to get themselves into a position to reach an agreement.
Liam Delap’s decision to join Chelsea from Ipswich Town despite holding discussions over a move to Old Trafford has resulted in the Red Devils switching their attentions towards alternative options, with there being determination to secure an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee during the summer.
But GMS sources have been informed that Amorim was not happy to see the Stamford Bridge-bound frontman pinpointed as Manchester United’s leading target because he has been eager to land Gyokeres, who enjoyed a prolific season with Sporting and is available for a fee of £59million.
The 27-year-old Sweden international has been described as ‘the best striker in the world’ thanks to his form at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, where he worked with the Red Devils’ current boss, and there is an increasing possibility that he will embark on a fresh challenge after spearheading his current employers to the Primeira Liga title and Taca de Portugal glory.
Manchester United will need to quickly sanction at least one big-name departure in order to have the funds to buy Gyokeres, GMS sources have learned, but Amorim is poised to win the battle to convince the hierarchy to recruit a proven goalscorer after insisting that they need an elite-level finisher in order to fast-track their progress.
Funds Threaten to Hamper Push for Gyokeres
Old Trafford recruitment department at risk of being beaten to swoop
GMS sources have been told that Gyokeres’ knowledge of Amorim’s demands is being seen as a major advantage by Manchester United as they plot their next move, but there are ongoing fears that other suitors with funds readily available could look to profit from the chance to beat them to his signature.
Bruno Fernandes has opted to stay in his current surroundings instead of heading to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, meaning that the Red Devils will have to focus on offloading other high-earners within the squad in order to boost their budget and aid their hopes of adding to Cunha’s arrival in the coming months.
Gyokeres is not the only centre forward on Manchester United’s radar as GMS sources understand that Victor Osimhen has come back into their thinking since returning to Napoli following a productive loan spell with Galatasaray, while they have kept tabs on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko even though he is a primary target for Arsenal and a deal would be tricky.
GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils have also reignited their interest in Randal Kolo Muani and Jean-Philippe Mateta – who are on the books of Paris Saint-Germain and Crystal Palace respectively – with the signing of a striker being prioritised ahead of a midfielder and goalkeeper.
