Man Utd more interested in signing £63m 'elite-level' star as Man City enter race - report
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in one of Sporting CP’s best players, according to Daily Mail.
The Red Devils have had an underwhelming campaign and the board recently parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag as a result.
The club have confirmed Ruben Amorim as his successor from Sporting CP. The Portuguese appears keen on a reunion with striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Daily Mail claim that United have stepped up their pursuit of the marksman. They had scouts in attendance to watch him against Arsenal yesterday.
However, United are not alone in the transfer battle. Manchester City are among other clubs who were tracking the 26-year-old in action on Tuesday night.
United could have upper hand in Gyokeres race
The former Coventry City striker has been a revelation for Sporting CP with 67 goals from just 69 outings.
He netted 43 goals and provided 15 assists from 50 outings last term. The ‘elite-level‘ striker has fared much better this campaign with 24 goals and four assists from 20 appearances.
Gyokeres barely offered an attacking threat against the Gunners yesterday, but he would still represent a massive upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee for United.
Hojlund has huge potential, but the Denmark ace needs a couple of more seasons at the top level before he can evolve into a consistent goalscorer for the Red Devils.
He could be a perfect understudy for Gyokeres with Zirkzee likely to depart next summer.
Gyokeres has all the traits to succeed Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up. He can hold-up play, create chances and score goals. He also possesses an aerial presence with plenty of pace.
He has a £84 million release clause in his contract with Sporting CP, but has a gentleman’s agreement to leave the Portuguese champions for around £63m next summer.
Amorim’s presence could be a huge factor in convincing Gyokeres to move to Old Trafford.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .