Manchester United are reportedly ready to go all out to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer rather than in the January transfer window.

Gyokeres has an £83m release clause inserted into his contract at Sporting, and according to The Independent, that would be too large a sum for United to approve this winter. However, their spirits are not thought to be dampened thanks to the strong relationship they have built with the Lisbon club.

United and Sporting came to a quick arrangement to allow Ruben Amorim the chance to join Old Trafford. This was made easier thanks to Ineos' leniency in allowing Amorim to remain in Portugal until the November international break.

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This move afforded Sporting the chance to get their ducks in a row to find a replacement. A similar situation will be seen favourably by Sporting, as Gyokeres' tremendous form in Portugal would make him difficult to replace.

The Swede has managed a whopping 75 goals in just 80 appearances for Sporting. However, the only issue for United is that Arsenal have reportedly approved a move for Gyokeres this month after finding goals particularly difficult to come by.

According to a report by French publication L'Equipe, the Gunners are no longer reluctant to pay £83m for Gyokeres and could make their move in January. However, should they not be able to complete a deal this winter, the Reds will feel as though they are the frontrunners to sign the striker.

Gyokeres has a close, existing bond with Amorim that would put them in a stronger position in negotiations should it come to a straight shootout between themselves and Arsenal at the end of the season.