Man Utd ‘open talks’ for Viktor Gyokeres transfer after striker’s message to Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have entered concrete talks to make Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres one of Ruben Amorim’s first signings at the club, according to reports. United are said to be pushing for Gyokeres’ signature but face intense competition from rivals Manchester City, who have launched a pursuit of their own.

Amorim has been strongly tipped to reunite with his trusted Sporting servants at Old Trafford, despite inheriting £108.5million striker duo Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

And while he has ruled out targeting his former club’s players in the January transfer window, the Portuguese head coach has left the door open for next summer.

“I will not sign any Sporting player at Man United in January… then, what happens in the summer, I don’t know. Sporting players are good players. We will see what happens,” Amorim explained upon his exit.

Gyokeres sent Amorim a clear message by scoring six goals in his first three games since his boss left Lisbon for Manchester.

And, according to Sky Germany, United have now made their plans to sign Gyokeres clear amid fierce competition from across the city.

It’s claimed that the Red Devils have held initial concrete talks for Gyokeres’ summer arrival and are firmly in the frame.

However, the report adds that City have also accelerated their efforts to lure the 26-year-old talisman to the Etihad Stadium.

Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana, who will leave Sporting next year, is said to be pushing hard to ensure Gyokeres joins him rather than Amorim.

And United’s hopes of a deal are further complicated by their reported need to raise funds through player sales.

Finances are tight at Old Trafford amid restrictions imposed by the Premier League and UEFA’s regulations.

United’s looming debt has left the club near the margins of the financial rules, sparking Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ruthless cost-cutting process this year.

The M16 giants sanctioned several high-profile player sales in the summer to back Erik ten Hag with another £200million in the transfer market.

They may have to be just as active as possible to ensure Amorim receives the auspices he needs to help instil his new vision.

Plenty of players the 39-year-old has inherited at United won’t fit his long-term plans and so could be on the chopping block to boost the budget.

Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford have made encouraging starts under Amorim’s watch, scoring seven goals in three games between them.

But Gyokeres’ 67 goals in 71 appearances for Sporting could be too prolific a record to ignore if he becomes an opportunity as expected next year.