Manchester United scouts are wasting no time keeping an eye on potential targets for the new year, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres high on the wish list for many.
The Swede has scored 23 goals in 18 matches for Sporting, helping them remain unbeaten in the Primeira Liga by becoming the most lethal striker in Europe this season.
Gyokeres continued his goalscoring form for his country over the week, scoring against Slovakia in the UEFA Nations League.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and rumours have intensified since Ruben Amorim became head coach.
Amorim swapped Sporting for United last week and a lot of his players in Lisbon have been linked with following his footsteps. Not just Gyokeres.
According to The Sun, United sent Sergio Souza – one of their top Scandinavian scouts – to Stockholm to watch him play for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Slovakia.
It bodes well for Gyokeres that he scored after three minutes against the Slovakians.
Viktor Gyokeres scoring goals for fun
Gyokeres has everyone in Europe talking since his hat-trick in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man City in the Champions League. He will hope to continue that from as the Portuguese champions look to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europe’s biggest competition without Amorim in charge.
United have a significant advantage over other clubs when it comes to Gyokeres due to his connection with Amorim.
That said, reports earlier today suggested that Amorim will be given a smaller transfer budget than Erik ten Hag was given in previous years.
Ten Hag spent over £600 million on signings before he was sacked earlier this month.
Gyokeres has a €100 million release clause and it is understood that Sporting are willing to negotiate a fee below that in the summer.
The Swede is not expected to leave Sporting before the end of the season.