Keen to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attacking options with a player he’s already proven he can get the best of, Manchester United are mulling over the most efficient way to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
Indeed, the Red Devils are thought to be targeting Gyokeres for a potential 2025 summer move, given that Amorim has already ruled out the prospect of signing any Sporting stars in the January window out of respect for his former side.
Gyokeres currently has an £83 million release clause embedded into his contract with the Liga Portugal leaders. Sporting president Federico Varandas all but admitted the board have no control over their talisman’s future if the fee is met, saying: “If a club arrives and pays the release clause if he wants to go… he will go.”
However, reports have also suggested that his terms contain a gentleman’s agreement which allows Gyokeres to depart for a considerably smaller fee, such as £63m, to seal the transfer he desires when/if the time comes.
With that in mind, INEOS are reportedly plotting how they can take advantage of the forward’s uncertain situation in Lisbon by preparing a player-plus-cash proposal. The Red likely to be used – as relayed by CaughtOffside – only arrived at Carrington in July but has endured a bleak start to life at United – Joshua Zirkzee.
Struggling Zirkzee to be utilised in Gyokeres proposal?
Three years Gyokeres’ junior, Zirkzee does pose as a relatively decent option to include in any prospective swap deal. He has struggled significantly since arriving in the Premier League from Bologna before the term began, so may flourish when taking on a new venture away from England’s top flight.
United desperately need a proven and prolific goalscorer to finally put a definitive end to their woes in front of goal. The potential is certainly there with Rasmus Hojlund, although fans had hoped he’d kick on much quicker than he has done since returning from injury this campaign.