HITC understands that Manchester United are showing an interest Viktor Gyokeres, but they fear Liverpool could scupper their chances of landing him.
United, as HITC has previously reported, are in the market for a new forward – as they want to add to their attacking options alongside Rasmus Hojlund.
They are have been assessing a number of options, but Gyokeres is one who has stood out to the club’s hierarchy and it is understood that new minority owners INEOS – are willing to push ahead with transfer plans, if it means on not missing out on certain targets.
INEOS are in the process of bringing in Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Jason Wilcox as technical director – but their appointments are not yet finalised. But there are others in place able to do deals at their behest including chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves.
United are aware that they need to address key areas in the squad and that will ideally see the spine of the team refreshed with a new central defender, a new midfielder and a forward all in their planning.
Manchester United want Viktor Gyokeres
Erik Ten Hag is part of United’s planning process as it stands, even though his position is still under review, and he confirmed earlier this week that striker is being looked at.
Asked if a proven striker would be brought in this summer, the Dutchman admitted as his weekly news conference: “It think would help.
“We are working in the background on plans with scouting. We are working on our plan, the plan is ready, but it has to execute, and I trust the new ownership that they will work as quick as possible and bring new good structures and that they can execute.
“We have good plans, I think also with quality players. You see now about recruitment: (Andre) Onana is doing very well, Rasmus Hojlund, everyone is seeing his big talent and potential. (Lisandro) Martinez, everyone was hugely happy with him, and there are others.
“So the recruitment is good. But if they (new directors) have even better ideas, we are always open. If you have options but they come with better options we are open.
“But we have a way we want to play, so we know our profiles, so it has to match the profiles we want.”
United are looking at their options and the likes of Harry Kane and Ivan Toney are in their thinking, and now HITC can reveal that talks have taken place over a possible deal for Gyokeres – who has indicated to Sporting he is ready to move this summer.
Italian giants AC Milan had been leading the chase since the turn of the year, but such has been the form for Sporting – rivals are now circling and a move back to England looks increasingly likely for the Swede, who moved to Portugal from Coventry City last summer having previously being with Brighton.
Liverpool also in mix for Gyokeres
Arsenal and Chelsea are both keeping close tabs on Gyokeres and have held talks with intermediaries, having watched him on numerous occasions, whilst Newcastle also appreciate him.
However, HITC now understands that Man United have made a move and it is understood Gyokeres is more than open to moving to Old Trafford.
But, United are aware of a possible complication and that could come from their bitter rivals Liverpool – amongst others.
Liverpool are locked in talks with Ruben Amorim’s agents as they look to finalise a deal, but it is understood that as part of a move – the Portuguese would ideally like to see some of his current squad and one of those is Gyokeres.
With Mo Salah likely to depart and Luis Diaz increasingly unsettled, Liverpool are set to be in the market for at least one new forward this summer and they have been assessing other options.
The likes of Pedro Neto, Michael Olise, Nico Williams and Florian Wirtz are all players of interest, but now HITC understands Gyokeres is also under consideration.