Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down speculation linking the La Liga club with a move for Manchester United-linked striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sporting Lisbon goal-getter is currently one of the most sought after strikers in Europe after an outstanding period in front of goal in Portugal.

Signed from Coventry City in July 2023, the Swedish international, 26, scored 43 goals in 50 appearances in his debut season in the Portuguese capital, helping Sporting clinch a second league title under Ruben Amorim.

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Gyokeres has picked up from where he left off last season, scoring 23 goals in his first 18 appearances in all competitions this term, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last week.

As a result of Amorim's recent move to Old Trafford, Gyokeres is being heavily linked with the prospect of following in the 39-year-old's footsteps and making the move to United himself. It is understood he has an £83million release clause.

As a result of his exploits in front of goal, the former Coventry ace is being linked with several big-name European clubs. However, Deco has insisted the striker is not a player Barcelona are currently looking to sign.

"He is a good player, he has been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal," Deco told Mundo Deportivo.

"We know him like others but he's not our priority at the moment and we're not looking for a No.9 to replace Robert [Lewandowski] because we want him to remain happy, scoring goals and at least stay for another season.

"We've won things, and he's happy to be here. We're not going to talk about any player now."