Sporting chief reveals how Gyokeres sale decision was shaped by Manchester United transfers

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Sporting Lisbon’s president has opened up on how recent Manchester United transfers have played a part in Viktor Gyokeres’ potential sale.

United have been in the market for a striker and are once again being linked with Gyokeres despite not having Champions League football to offer next season.

But the Swedish forward remains interested in a move to Old Trafford, partly due to the prospect of working with Ruben Amorim again.

Gyokeres is currently at odds with Sporting over his valuation, believing he was promised a £51m exit clause, while the club are holding out for more.

Frederico Varandas compares Viktor Gyokeres proposals to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo’s deals

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has denied any such agreement to allow Gyokeres to leave ever existed, but has hinted that a compromise could still be reached.

“Firstly, Sporting are very calm about the Gyokeres issue,” Varandas told DesportoAoMinuto. “Secondly, Sporting do not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have already passed the stage of selling our main asset.

“We do not have to do it, but we are still sensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other athlete. As I have already said, Sporting have a commitment, through the chairman, that, after weeks of meetings, it will not ask for the value of the clause. Sporting will be reasonable and show good sense regarding Viktor’s performance and the value requested.

“If you asked me, today I think there is a strong chance that Viktor will leave. And I’ll tell you why.

“In the last few weeks we have been keeping an eye on the market. I saw a player like Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go, curiously, to Arsenal for 65 million euros.

“Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both, with all due respect, without the market value and quality of Viktor, are being negotiated for around £75million.”

• READ MORE: Linked with Man United, Sporting star says he ‘loves Ruben Amorim’ and gives Red Devils fans hope

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo could lure Viktor Gyokeres

Amorim, whose side struggled to find the net last season, has prioritised attack this summer. Bryan Mbeumo could be next, with Ineos reportedly making two bids to land the Brentford forward.

Cunha and Mbeumo are both expected to play in the No.10 roles, so a focal point through the middle is the missing piece. Amorim believes Gyokeres, his former player at Sporting, would fit that role perfectly.

Sporting seem to be holding out for a fee higher than what was paid for Cunha or Mbeumo, likely over £65million.

But convincing Gyokeres to take the deal might be easier now Mbeumo and Cunha are in place. The prospect of leading Manchester United’s new-look forward line has never looked more appealing for the Swede.