Victor Osimhen to Man United transfer decision made hours before Viktor Gyokeres answer

Victor Osimhen to Man United transfer decision made hours before Viktor Gyokeres answer

Manchester United have been linked with moves for Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.

Manchester United have been linked with Victor Osimhen this summer. (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images )

Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with Victor Osimhen regarding a potential move to Old Trafford, only to learn subsequently that Viktor Gyokeres has declined the chance to link-up with Ruben Amorim at the club.

United are on the hunt for attacking options and have been evaluating several strikers due to their impressive form in recent seasons. Osimhen and Gyokeres were, according to reports, being closely watched by scouts.

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Footmercato reported that the Premier League team have begun negotiations with Osimhen, with an expectation to still chase Gyokeres' signature from Sporting CP. However, reports from Portugal now indicate that the Sweden international spurned the offer to join United, and his representatives have relayed this decision to club higher-ups.

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Eager for a fresh start, Gyokeres has hinted at possible drastic measures to secure an exit. He shared on Instagram: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."

Last season, Gyokeres, who has experience in English football with Coventry and Swansea, surpassed the 50-goal mark while playing in Portugal. In his two-year stint, he's managed 97 goals.

On the other hand, Osimhen has just completed a successful loan spell in Turkey, contributing significantly to Galatasaray's championship win with 37 goals, which has attracted further interest in him. As Arsenal also keeps tabs on the Sporting sensation, it's clear that neither Osimhen nor Gyokeres would be let go without commanding substantial transfer fees.

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Sporting president Frederico Varandas has made a firm statement regarding the transfer speculation surrounding Gyokeres.

"It was agreed that Sporting would not demand his release clause at the end of the season, especially because he was going to be 27," Varandas said. "We knew about Viktor's dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League and we have common sense.

"We guaranteed that we would not demand €100million. Sporting has common sense, it keeps its word.

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"The president of Sporting said that the club would not demand the clause and that we would adjust the value to Viktor's performance, he was one of the best players to step on the pitch in Portugal."

Former United star Rio Ferdinand has said this week that the club should've prioritised a move for Osimhen ahead of Gyokeres, with the Nigerian no longer wanted by Napoli despite his impressive strike-rate.

He said: "I think Gyokeres, everyone's talking about him. Again, I think if I'm looking at the market now, and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I'd probably pick Osimhen because of that experience."

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"He's shown he's done it in multiple leagues now. And he's done it internationally, as well. I think he's a top-class number nine who, again, the young players will be able to learn from. I'm not saying that Gyokeres would fail. I'm just saying that if I had a preference, then I would go there."

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