Viktor Gyokeres to MU transfer: Talks ‘open’ but Amorim faces stumbling block

Manchester United have opened talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres, but bitter rivals Manchester City are now trying to hijack the deal.

Gyokeres will be one of the hottest names in the January transfer window after scoring 24 goals in 21 games for Sporting Lisbon so far this season. That follows his debut season last year, in which he scored 43 times and took Sporting to the Primeira Liga title.

The manager who brought him to Portugal was Ruben Amorim, who has now taken over at United. One of the biggest weaknesses in the Red Devils squad is generally seen as striker.

That could see the Portuguese coach prioritize the position in the January transfer market, which opens in less than a month. Gyokeres is considered one of his top targets having worked so closely with the Swedish international.

According to Sky Germany, United have opened 'initial preliminary talks' with Sporting over a move. The Red Devils are said to be 'actively interested' in signing the 26-year-old star.

But a potential stumbling block is the interest of City, who also 'want' Gyokeres. Incoming sports director Hugo Viana is said to find Gyokeres 'very exciting', with Citty having room for an alternative to Erling Haaland.

They allowed Julian Alvarez to join Atletico Madrid this summer and not replace the Argentine. City now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 11 points, with a major rebuild expected.

Gyokeres' contract with Sporting does not expire until 2028, giving the Portuguese champions a strong negotiating position. There is a release clause of around £83 million in that deal.

But a gentleman's agreement between the forward and club chiefs means a bid closer to £66million would likely be considered. Gyokeres has already spoken out about his move to United, indicating he is happy with life at Sporting.

When Amorim left, he said: “Are you going to Man United with Amorim? I don't know, I'm here. I really enjoy being here, it's not something I think about. I like it here. I'm sad he's leaving. We wish him all the best.”

Amorim has also tried to avoid commenting on the prospect of signing Gyokeres. Speaking to TNT Sports, while still in charge of Sporting, he said: “I can't joke about it. At this moment it was difficult for me to leave. If I'm going to joke about this Gyokeres situation, I'll come in trouble.

“This is my city, this is my country, so I will respect it. Viktor has to stay until the end of the season, and then his life might go somewhere else.”