Sporting Lisbon boss breaks silence on Viktor Gyokeres’ future – with the Man United target ‘furious over the Portuguese club’s U-turn on his £84m release clause’

By SAM BROOKES

Sporting Lisbon boss Rui Borges refused to give too much away when asked about Viktor Gyokeres’ future on Tuesday.

Gyokeres, 27, has been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent days, with the Red Devils moving ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

The Swedish striker appeared to bid farewell to Sporting’s fans after completing a domestic double with the club last month, but he remains with the Portuguese outfit for now.

Borges attended an event on Tuesday to mark the 99th anniversary of provincial team Sport Clube de Mirandela – the club where his football journey began – and was quizzed on Gyokeres, but remained tight-lipped.

‘Gyokeres? Sporting’s future begins on July 1st,’ Borges told reporters. 

‘That’s all I can say and today I’m here to, above all, salute this tribute that was paid to me. That’s all. I’m on vacation, I’m not here to talk about that.’

Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly angry with Sporting Lisbon for how they are handling his potential exit

Sporting boss Rui Borges refused to give much away when asked about Gyokeres’ future

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are keen on signing Gyokeres this summer

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Borges is not interested in talking about the future of Gyokeres for now, but the player himself is reportedly furious over how Sporting are handling his potential exit.

Gyokeres has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his Sporting contract, but he is understood to have reached a gentleman’s agreement with the club at the start of the season over a reduced asking price.

The forward was promised that he could leave Sporting this summer for €60m (£51m), plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons, to take the overall transfer fee down to £59m.

However, according to Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting’s board are now seeking in the region of €80m (£67m) before allowing Gyokeres to move on.

He is believed to be livid with Sporting’s U-turn and feels they have failed to deliver on their promise to him. 

Gyokeres has responded by removing any reference to Sporting on his Instagram account, having also got rid of any mention of Sweden and Nike.

United failed to get a deal over the line in the ‘special’ transfer window that shut on Tuesday evening, but they could return for Gyokeres when the window re-opens on later this month.

His current manager insists he is not thinking about losing his star striker for now, but it could become a reality in the coming weeks as United and other potential suitors circle. 

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Sporting Lisbon boss breaks silence on Viktor Gyokeres’ future – with the Man United target ‘furious over the Portuguese club’s U-turn on his £84m release clause’

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