Nani rubbishes Viktor Gyokeres claim amid Man Utd links, ‘I believe he will…’

Manchester United continue to be linked with Viktor Gyokeres as the transfer window heats up.

There has been no shortage of speculation since the beginning of the transfer window, with Manchester United linked to multiple attacking options.

Ruben Amorim will soon embark on his first full season in charge at Old Trafford, after losing the Europa League final and finishing 15th in the Premier League.

That means there is no Champions League football for a consecutive season at United, which is something that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

United have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves after the Brazilian scored 17 goals in the Premier League last term. That’s an impressive tally, and he will be coming into a team that managed just 44 league goals last term.

Since then, United have had a second bid rejected for Bryan Mbeumo, but Ineos remain confident they can strike a deal with Brentford. Amorim is also expected to add a new striker to his squad ahead of the season, amid doubts over Rasmus Hojlund’s future.

It remains to be seen who that striker will be as United have many options available in the transfer window.

Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Nani hails Viktor Gyokeres professionalism

United have an array of targets when it comes to strikers, if you believe everything you read.

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The top target is Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who built a strong relationship with Amorim during his time at the club.

Other targets include Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen after United missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea.

Former United and Sporting winger Nani has dismissed rumours that Gyokeres could go on strike at his current club and expects the Sweden international to turn up for pre-season training if he is still on the club’s books.

There have been suggestions that Gyokeres could refuse to show up for pre-season in order to force through a transfer to the Premier League.

Asked whether he expects Gyokeres to show up for pre-season training, Nani said (via The Metro): “I believe so, he is a professional. I believe he will show up.

“If he doesn’t show up it’s because he’s going to another club.”

Gyokeres has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, but it remains to be seen where the lethal goalscorer will end up, after scoring 54 goals in 52 games to help steer the side to a domestic double.

The 27-year-old has a £85.1 million release clause in his contract, but it is understood that he could leave if the club receive an offer in the region of £59 million, based on an apparent gentleman’s agreement.

Nani swapped Sporting for United in 2007, so he knows what step Gyokeres could take this summer.

He added: “He [Gyokeres] is a fantastic player, who has done a lot for Sporting and has several clubs interested in him.

“He knows that there is a lot of interest and it is natural that there is some anxiety until he has his life sorted out.

“It starts to create that anxiety, but I am sure that, whether he stays or leaves, he will have the right support and will be satisfied.”

Sporting CP ready to replace Gyokeres

Nani believes Sporting CP will have a succession plan in place if Gyokeres leaves this summer.

The Swede has been linked with an exit throughout the season, especially since Amorim left the club to become United head coach in November.

Nani is confident Sporting will bring in sufficient cover for their talisman should he depart.

“If Gyokeres leaves, it was already planned and Sporting’s management certainly have everything ready to replace him,” Nani said.

“Sporting had a very strong team with Gyokeres, but they also have other good players and will quickly bring in someone to compensate.

“I believe it will be another positive year for Sporting, in which they will play good football and win again.”

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