Man Utd and Chelsea learn 'new Viktor Gyokeres price' cheaper than release clause

Manchester United and Chelsea are set to spearhead the pursuit of Sporting Lisbon's star player, Viktor Gyokeres, next summer.

The Swedish striker has emerged as Europe's most sought-after talent following his extraordinary performances with the Portuguese champions.

His hat-trick in Tuesday night's Champions League match, which saw Manchester City defeated 4-1, brought his season's total to an impressive 23 goals in just 17 games.

Since his £20m transfer from Coventry City to Sporting in 2023, Gyokeres has netted a staggering 66 goals in 67 matches.

The 26-year-old's contract includes a £83m (€100m) release clause. However, the say that Sporting president Frederico Varandas would entertain offers around £66.6m (€80m), provided Gyokeres stays with Sporting until the end of this season.

This development is likely to put Europe's top clubs on high alert and trigger a frantic race for his signature next summer.

The appointment of Ruben Amorim, Gyokeres's former Sporting manager, at United could give them an edge in securing the player.

The pair had a strong rapport during their time together in Lisbon. With United currently among the Premier League's lowest-scoring teams this season, they are in dire need of a world-class finisher.

Amorim will spend his initial six months at United evaluating the squad's talent.

As part of the deal when United secured Amorim's services last week, it was agreed that he wouldn't be able to poach from his former club in the January transfer window, and would have to wait until the summer.

Amorim will also enjoy the substantial financial support of United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona could contemplate getting ahead of United by making a move for Gyokeres in January.