Viktor Gyokeres: Sporting make transfer admission after Real Madrid decision

Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges has confessed that the club is already preparing for life after Viktor Gyokeres.

The Lisbon club have seen Geovany Quenda secure a transfer to Chelsea, who are also in position to sign Dario Essugo, and they are braced for the departure of Sweden international Gyokeres in a deal that will have the biggest immediate impact on the team.

FABRIZIO ROMANO TRANSFER LATEST: Quenda TRUTHS, Chelsea’s NEXT signing, ‘CRAZY’ Bruno Fernandes offer

The 26-year-old has been scoring at a rate of around a goal per game all season, and while he has a release clause of €100 million, Sporting will allow him to depart at a cheaper price, A Bola reports.

Manchester United appear to be frontrunners for Gyokeres at present, though Arsenal or Chelsea could quickly pivot towards the former Coventry City striker given they are both clubs in the market for a No.9.

But interest, too, comes from Real Madrid. Fichajes reports that Los Blancos have decided to enter the bidding war for the player, who could offer the traditional centre-forward profile lacking at the Bernabeu.

READ MORE: Latest Real Madrid transfer rumours

’If Gyokeres goes…’

Now Sporting head coach Rui Borges has openly admitted that his side accept the fact they will need to find a replacement for the striker.

“I’m not focused on next season but rather the next two and a half months,” he 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.

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