Deal for United’s top target takes huge step forward as selling club identify replacement – Fabrizio Romano

Sporting CP have identified a replacement for Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres.

When United finally seal a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, it has been widely reported that they will move on to number nine targets.

The Red Devils are said to have an interest in numerous players such as Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike.

Nonetheless, United have been constantly linked with Sporting forward Gyokeres, who shone under Ruben Amorim during their time together in Lisbon.

The Swedish forward is reportedly considering going on strike to force a move from his current club. It has also been recently reported that Gyokeres wants a move to United in spite of interest from Arsenal.

Adding further depth to the story, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update suggesting that Gyokeres’ exit from Sporting may be inching closer.

Romano posted on X that “Sporting CP want Luis Javier Suárez from Almeria as new striker when Gyökeres leaves the club.”

He added that, “the Colombian striker is the priority target, top of the short list.”

EXCLUSIVE: Sporting CP want Luis Javier Suárez from Almeria as new striker when Gyökeres leaves the club.

The Colombian striker is the priority target, top of the short list. pic.twitter.com/pKuhMCExXh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025

So far Sporting have stood firm on the fact that they will demand at least €80 million for the striker and “not a penny less.”

Gyokeres and his representatives are said to believe they had a “gentleman’s agreement” to leave the club for €60 million plus €10 million in variables, but Sporting have so far not given in.

Nonetheless, should the Portuguese champions pursue a deal for Suarez, it might well indicate that there has or will be some movement on the Gyokeres transfer in the not too distant future.

United are not the only club in the race as Arsenal and Juventus are also reported to be keen on doing a deal for the lethal striker who bagged 54 goals last season in all competitions.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

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