'Saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo'

Sporting Lisbon’s sporting director has explained how Manchester United’s transfer activity has impacted Viktor Gyokeres’ sale.

Manchester United are on the lookout for a new striker and continue to be linked with Viktor Gyokeres as a top target.

Despite the Red Devils missing out on Champions League football, Gyokeres is open to joining United and reuniting with Ruben Amorim this summer.

Gyokeres is in a dispute with Sporting over his asking price after the Swedish star believed a gentleman’s agreement was made for him to be sold for £51m plus add-ons.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has confirmed that no agreement was in place, but his latest comments confirm that a deal is on the cards.

Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Man United double deal impacts Viktor Gyokeres value

Viktor Gyokeres won’t be available for a bargain price of £51m, but Sporting will also not hold him to his £85m release clause this summer.

Gyokeres is wanted by United and Arsenal, and Varandas commented on both clubs’ transfer activity when providing a new update on the striker’s future.

As quoted by DesportoAoMinuto, Varandas said: “Firstly, Sporting is very calm about the Gyokeres issue. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have already passed the stage of selling our main asset.

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“We do not have to do it, but we are still sensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other athlete. As I have already said, Sporting has a commitment, through the chairman, that, after weeks of meetings, it will not ask for the value of the clause. Sporting will be reasonable and have good sense regarding Viktor’s performance and the value requested.

“If you asked me, today I think there is a strong chance that Viktor will leave. And I’ll tell you why.

“In the last few weeks we have been keeping an eye on the market. I saw a player like Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go, curiously, to Arsenal for 65 million euros.

“I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both, with all due respect, without the market value and quality of Viktor and are being negotiated for around 75 million euros. We are talking about players who are 26 years old.”

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo could lure Viktor Gyokeres

After his side struggled to score goals last season, it was no surprise that Amorim wanted an attacking overhaul this summer.

Cunha has already been confirmed and now United have made two bids for Bryan Mbeumo as Ineos attempt to make him their second major signing of the summer.

With Cunha and Mbeumo expected to play in the No.10 positions, the final piece of the puzzle is a central striker and Amorim knows Gyokeres is a good fit.

READ MORE: How Viktor Gyokeres’ controversial agent clause is holding up potential Man Utd move, Sporting have no choice

The latest comments from Sporting, however, suggest the Portuguese side will hold out for a fee bigger than the ones paid for Cunha or Mbeumo – likely over £65m.

United will also have to convince Gyokeres of the move, but with Cunha and Mbeumo to link up with, the idea of playing up front for the Red Devils next season has become much more attractive.

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