MANCHESTER UNITED had eyes on Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday as Ruben Amorim’s top target scored his fifth goal of the Nations League campaign.
The Sporting Lisbon striker put on another impressive display as he found the back of the net for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Slovakia.
United sent Sergio Souza — one of their top Scandinavian talent spotters — to Stockholm for the clash and he barely had time to take his seat before Gyokeres struck in the third minute.
The former Coventry City star raced onto an Alexander Isak through ball before shooting across Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka into the bottom corner.
Souza revealed his presence at the game in an Instagram video post during the national anthems, although he was no doubt busily scribbling notes by the time Gyokeres had set the stadium alight with his latest strike.
The 26-year-old is on pace to outperform his incredible 43-goal debut season in Portuguese football, having hitting the back of the net 23 times for Sporting this term.
His 16 Primeira Liga goals are double the amount of any other player in the league and he has also netted five Champions League efforts in four games so far.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are stepping up their interest with Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos having reportedly already reached out to the his representatives.
Bayern Munich have also been tipped to enter the bidding if they look to move Harry Kane on in the summer.
But United potentially hold an ace up their sleeve with Amorim in place at Old Trafford.
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When asked about a potential move to Man Utd, Gyokeres said: “He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see. No, he hasn’t [asked me to join him].
“It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.”
Gyokeres added: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here.
“We will see [about a new club] when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial, and there will be also other factors.”
United are currently struggling for goals with their two centre forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, having managed to score just three goals between them all season.
On signing players from his old club, Amorim said: “In January I’m not going to get anyone from Sporting.”
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
