Viktor Gyokeres has 'heart set' on Man Utd move but striker will be denied ideal gift

Viktor Gyokeres reportedly has his ‘heart set’ on Manchester United in a dream reunion with Ruben Amorim. The striker shone under the new Red Devils boss during their time at Sporting Lisbon.

Gyokeres is in demand having become one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His value has soared since he joined the Portuguese side from Championship outfit Coventry for £16million in 2023.

The 26-year-old scored 43 goals across all competitions last season and has already bagged an incredible 24 this term. United and Arsenal, who beat Sporting 5-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, have been linked with a move for the Sweden international.

And Gyokeres is reportedly destined for Old Trafford. According to The Sun, the former Brighton man has his ‘heart set’ on reuniting with Amorim at United.

However, there could be one disappointment for Gyokeres if he joins United. That is because the No. 9 shirt he has worn at Sporting is occupied by Rasmus Hojlund. Meanwhile, the No. 17 shirt he sported at Coventry is taken by Alejandro Garnacho.

It remains to be seen if United can seal an agreement with Sporting. Amorim has already ruled out signing any of his former players in January, partly out of respect to his former club who he left on good terms.

Speaking before agreeing his switch to United, the 39-year-old said: “I don’t know about the summer. The main thing is to hold on until the summer. After that, we’ll see, Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

United have lacked a prolific centre-forward for several years. Hojlund’s United career has largely been hampered by numerous injuries. The Danish star has performed well when he has been fit, but he has struggled to remain available for a run of matches.

Amorim started a relatively fluid front three in his first Premier League game, Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich. Marcus Rashford scored within the first two minutes at Portman Road but the Red Devils often fell into old habits and struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.

A new striker could be a necessity if Hojlund’s injury problems continue. Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to Premier League football in the few months after his £34m switch from Bologna.

Garnacho is United’s top scorer this season with seven goals across all competitions. The Argentine’s three Premier League strikes are also the most of any of his team-mates in the top-flight.