Manchester United have held “concrete talks” with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres as Rúben Amorim’s club change their mind about the Swedish striker.
Manchester United are looking to sign a new striker this summer in order to install a greater level of attacking threat within Rúben Amorim’s squad.
It’s no secret that the club have struggled to score enough goals this campaign, with Bruno Fernandes the side’s top scorer with 17 goals this season, and Alejandro Garnacho the only other player to have broken into the double-digit tally, with ten to his name this season.
United have long been linked with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who has a £30 million release clause, with the 22-year-old said to be the club’s top target for the position this summer.
However, there are existing links to other strikers too, such as Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres, who are both viable candidates for the position but would cost considerably more than Delap.
United perform Gyökeres U-turn
Last month, it was widely reported that United would be focusing on signing younger players with the potential to grow into stars, rather than paying premium fees for older, established players.
According to ESPN, United prefer the signing of Delap over Gyökeres due to the potential cost of a move for the Swede, as well as Delap’s age profile and proven record in the Premier League.
However, in a new report, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that, seemingly changing their stance, United have held “concrete talks” with the player’s representatives, with Amorim being “very keen” on the striker.
However, Plettenberg also points out that, despite reports, there is no agreement in place between United and the 26-year-old, and many other clubs are also circling his signature amid strong links to Arsenal.
This is further backed up by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who recently confirmed that United remain keen on the Sporting goal machine.
“Nothing is decided so far,” Romano told GiveMeSport. “Man United but also Arsenal remain keen. For Man United, the Financial Fair Play budget will be crucial to understand how much they can spend on a striker.”
United focusing on other signings first
While it may be true that United have held talks about signing Gyökeres this summer, all other indications suggest that the club is focusing on other signings first.
United are seemingly very close to securing a £62.5 million deal that would see Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha join Old Trafford this summer. At the same time, they remain heavily in the race for Delap.
However, Delap is waiting to see which of his suitors will be playing European football next season, with United’s only hope of qualifying for the Champions League being through winning the Europa League.
They have a first-leg semi-final in the competition against Athletic Club on Thursday evening, with the return leg scheduled to be played at Old Trafford.
Once Amorim’s side know whether they are playing Champions League football next season and are able to make a few sales, they will be able to assess their situation better and make final decisions on signing players such as Gyökeres this summer.
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