Gyokeres responds to Man Utd links after coach’s ‘replaceable’ message

Viktor Gyokeres insists that he has yet to be contacted over a summer transfer and that he remains fully focused on Sporting CP.

The Swedish sharpshooter is once again enjoying a remarkable season in Lisbon. Despite some nagging injury problems at the start of the calendar year, Gyokeres is now back in form and netted a penalty in a 3-1 win over Famalicao on Saturday.

All told, the 26-year-old has scored a whopping 40 goals and provided 10 assists in just 41 appearances so far this season. Unsurprisingly, he is one of Europe’s most in-demand commodities.

Man Utd, in particular, are desperate to add a striker and have identified Gyokeres as a summer target. The presence of his former coach Ruben Amorim gives them an edge, although their financial problems and anticipated lack of Champions League football will make a deal difficult.

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Gyokeres not in talks

Sporting CP accept that they will lose the forward this summer and are willing to sell for around €60 million to €70m. Earlier this week, coach Rui Borges insisted that no player, not even Gyokeres, is irreplaceable.

“I’m not focused on next season but rather the next two and a half months,” Borges told the media. “Viktor is important to Sporting, we’re not shying away from that. He’s been important and not just to me. He has been for a while.

“I’m happy to count on him, to work with him, for everything he is from an athlete to a person and for what he gives every day. He’s an example of being rigorous in training, of doing everything we ask and tell him to do.

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“I’m happy to be able to enjoy him while he’s here. When he’s not, we’ll find another Viktor Gyokeres.”

Speaking after the victory over Famalicao, Gyokeres himself responded to the persistent rumours linking him with a departure and made it clear that he has yet to discuss a move with anyone.

“No, no one has spoken to me,” the Sweden international said. “It’s nothing that’s on my mind at the moment. Rumours, once again. My focus is on Sporting.”