Manchester United have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish striker now open to joining the Red Devils this summer
Manchester United's chances of landing Viktor Gyokeres have received a significant lift as a major hurdle has seemingly vanished.
The Reds were considered long shots in the chase for Gyokeres, with Arsenal having been front-runners for a while. However, it seems the Swedish goal-getter is now warming to the idea of joining United, even though they won't be gracing Europe next season.
No official discussions have taken place between United and Sporting CP, but a reunion with Ruben Amorim is increasingly likely, especially as Arsenal are zeroing in on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Gyokeres was hotly tipped for a move to Old Trafford in January, despite Amorim vowing not to poach talent from his former club during the winter window. The Portuguese gaffer kept his word, but made no such pledge for the summer transfer period.
The Swede is reportedly up for grabs for around £60million - a sum considerably less than the £85m buyout clause in his contract. However, agent fees and Gyokeres' salary expectations will also need to be factored in.
The forward has netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting, and although he currently pockets just £39,000 per week at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, he's expected to demand wages north of £250,000 per week, reports the Mirror.
Only a handful of five current United stars pocket weekly pay packets north of £250,000.
Among them, three - Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro - are tipped to be on their way out this summer, while the remaining duo - Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount - have also been rumoured to be heading for the exit.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to tighten the purse strings amid ongoing PSR worries, United might baulk at Gyokeres' hefty wage demands.
However, the opportunity to snap up a striker of his quality - particularly with scant competition - could be too enticing to pass up and a risk worth taking.
Top-tier European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City already boast world-class strikers, while United's Premier League rivals seem to be chasing different targets.
Chelsea recently pipped United to the post in signing Ipswich's Liam Delap, and although they're still hunting for another forward, Hugo Ekitike seems to be top of their wish list.
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