Former England international Darren Bent believes Viktor Gyokeres may be playing Premier League football in 2023/24 with Leeds United and Everton big fans of the Coventry City striker, speaking to talkSPORT (14 March, 5pm).
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, earlier this month, drew comparisons between Gyokeres and a certain Erling Haaland. And not just because of their shared Scandinavian roots.
Only Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom has more goals in the Championship this term than the Swedish powerhouse. Gyokeres took his tally to 18 (19 in all competitions) with a thumping header during Coventry’s 1-1 midweek draw with Wigan Athletic. As such, the one-time Swansea City youngster has scored more this season than he did in the whole of last term.
Gyokeres is not the only Championship frontman who has caught Bent’s eye. But, with Leeds and Everton among a rising throng of suitors, the former Tottenahm poacher believes Coventry’s number 17 is likely to be a top-flight player sooner rather than later.
Leeds and Everton like Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City
“I like Chuba Akpom; 22 (now 23) goals, the best return he’s ever had in professional football,” Bent says. “There is Carlton Morris at Luton.
“I like him, he’s doing really well. (Burnley loanee) Nathan Tella, who I think will play a big part for Southampton. Tom Bradshaw as well at Millwall.
“But the one for me… I like Viktor Gyokeres at Coventry. He is class. I think he’s got seven assists this season, he can score all types of finishes.
“Look at his finish at Huddersfield, he runs through and that little dink. And against Millwall where they play it into him, he uses his strength and rolls (the defender).
“He is a player who, if Coventry don’t go up, I think will be in the Premier League next season.”
Coventry value Gyokeres in the region of £25 million (TEAMtalk). Any hopes Leeds or Everton have of luring the 24-year-old to Elland Road or Goodison Park rest on whether Javi Gracia or Sean Dyche can stave off the very real threat of relegation.
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