Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United transfer takes fresh twist as swap deal plan emerges
Manchester United are facing a challenging task of signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window. United have been strongly linked with the Sweden international after Ruben Amorim's appointment.
Gyokeres has scored 77 goals in 85 games for Sporting after being signed by Amorim in 2022, forcing himself on Europe's top clubs' transfer radar. After staying put in the January transfer window, a move away from Lisbon is expected in the summer.
Sporting have all but accepted losing their talisman with reports in Portugal suggesting that the player and club have a gentlemen's agreement which will allow Gyokeres leave at the end of the season for around £58.6million to £62.8m.
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United remain desperate for reinforcements in attack. Rasmus Hojlund's last goal came in the 2-1 Europa Win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12 while there remain question marks over Joshua Zirkzee.
Gyokeres remains the obvious target for Amorim but United are not alone. Spanish outlet SPORT have reported this week that Barcelona could look to sign the striker in the summer in anticipation to replace Robert Lewandowski.
Despite scoring 31 goals in 33 games this season, the Poland striker turns 37 in August and the La Liga side's hopes of replacing him with Vitor Roque haven't gone to plan. Gyokeres has emerged as an option and the report adds that Barcelona could favour a move for him.
The Spanish giants hold a good relationship with Sporting CP following the sale of Francisco Trincao. It's understood that Barca maintains a 50 percent stake in any future sale of the winger and furthermore, Sporting hold an interest in Roque - which could be used as leverage.
Alexander Isak is also an option for Barcelona but Newcastle are expected to persist with their £100m+ valuation of the number nine. That means that Gyokeres' services will be in high-demand in the summer.
If United fail to qualify for European football, which remains a real possibility, they may be forced to watch Barcelona swoop in and land the Swedish star.