Viktor Gyokeres was once sold by Dan Ashworth for £1million - now he's destroyed Man City amid Man United links

Viktor Gyokeres firmly announced himself on the world stage with a stunning Champions League hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon demolished Manchester City.

Gyokeres is in stunning goalscoring form for the Portuguese champions and his treble took him to 66 goals in 67 games for the club since arriving from Championship side Coventry City.

Gyokeres has been a key man in Ruben Amorim's impressive Sporting side and with the boss heading to Old Trafford next week, speculation linking the Sweden international with a move to United. His hefty pricetag would be a huge stumbling block but the 26-year-old has proved himself to be capable against Europe's best with his showing against City.

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It comes just over three years since he was allowed to leave Brighton for just £1million to join Coventry, with current United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth then Technical Director with the Seagulls.

“He’s spent the last two years out on loan but this gives him the chance to really settle in one place and play regularly at a really high standard which, at 23, is paramount for his own development," said Ashworth speaking in 2021 when Gyokeres joined the Sky Blues.

“Coventry were impressed with the impact he made in his relatively short time there last season and that can be an added confidence boost for Viktor. We wish him all the best for the future.”

His future certainly turned out bright and Gyokeres is now being touted as possible United player of the future given Amorim is heading to Old Trafford. Ashworth will know all about him.