Manchester United are maintaining contact with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres as they try to secure their main targets.
The Old Trafford club, who are still reeling from their worst-ever Premier League campaign, are reportedly ‘exploring the conditions’ of a potential deal for the prolific Swedish striker.
The 27-year-old has long been touted as United’s top transfer target, with the Swede having previously worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting.
Gyokeres also has interest from Juventus and Arsenal, should their move for Benjamin Sesko falter.
According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils have made initial contact with the Portuguese champions, with Gyokeres believed to have an £85million release clause. However, reports have claimed that he could be allowed to leave for a reduced fee in the region of £58m.
The financial impact United’s failure to qualify for European football initially looked to severely damaged their hopes of securing the striker, who netted 39 league goals from just 31 starts in the Portuguese top flight last season.
Manchester United have made contact with Sporting over the signing of Viktor Gyokeres
The 27-year-old has long been touted as United’s top transfer target , with the Swede having previously worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting
United are continuing to work on a possible deal to bring Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford but could face competition from a Premier League rival
However, according to a report from The Sun, the funds to sign Gyokeres this summer may have actually come from a surprising source.
According to the report, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ruthless cost-cutting measures at United have opened up the coffers for Amorim to spend this summer.
United’s recently released quarterly accounts from the club revealed that the club’s operating expenses have dropped by over £40million.
United are continuing to work on a possible deal to bring Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford but could face competition from a Premier League rival.
United offered Brentford £55million for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but the bid was rejected.
A second offer is believed to be imminent, but United risk being foiled by a familiar foe. That is because Tottenham Hotspur, who beat United in last month’s Europa League final, thus denying Ruben Amorim’s team a place in next season’s Champions League are also keen on Mbeumo, according to the Mirror.
Newcastle, who will join Spurs in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League, have also expressed interest in Mbeumo. But Mbeumo made it clear to Newcastle that he would rather move to Old Trafford.
It is understood that the salary on offer at United will be higher than what Spurs will put forward should their interest be formalised.
However, Spurs may have a trump card because they are also plotting a move for Brentford manager Thomas Frank this summer.
