Manchester United have not given up hope of signing Viktor Gyokeres and will ‘accelerate’ their efforts to sign the striker after the Europa League final, according to reports.
A striker is top of United’s priorities this summer with Amorim eager to be reunited with Gyokeres after their success together at Sporting Lisbon.
The Sweden international took his incredible tally for the season to 53 goals in 51 appearances as Sporting were crowned Portuguese champions on Saturday but is expected to leave the club this summer.
Gyokeres emerged as a top target for United shortly after Amorim’s arrival but given their woeful Premier League campaign, the club have been realistic over their efforts to lure him to Old Trafford with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.
United are also exploring a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as an alternative option.
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But L’Equipe report United are still active in their efforts to sign the Sporting star and have now made a ‘concrete move’ – the first major European club to do so, according to the report.
Beating Tottenham on Wednesday night in Bilbao would also secure passage to next season’s Champions League for United – something that could be a deciding factor in their efforts to bring Gyokeres to the club.
Reports in Portugal have claimed Arsenal are in pole position to sign the Sweden international who has a release clause of £85million – with Sporting willing to let him go for a fee of around £60m to £70m, eager to avoid a drawn out transfer saga.
Arsenal are believed to be pushing hard to sign the Swede with new sporting director Andrea Berta keen to bring him to the Emirates.
Speaking after Saturday’s title-clinching win, the former Coventry City star insisted his future is still not yet decided.
‘It’s football, I’m still here. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Nobody can predict the future,’ he told Sport TV.
United have already been active leading into the summer transfer window with a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves almost done.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been credited with firm interest but despite interest from other clubs, the Brazil international is eager to make the move to Old Trafford.
United are set pay Cunha’s release clause of £62m in instalments.