Viktor breaks silence
Viktor Gyokeres has broken his silence on his transfer fall-out with Sporting Lisbon chiefs with a brief 22-word statement, writes KATHERINE WALSH.
The Man Utd and Arsenal target striker is reportedly at loggerheads with Sporting bosses after trying to force through a dream move to the Premier League.
The Swede, 27, is allegedly furious with Sporting for going back on their word over a promise to lower his £84million release clause and plans not to play for the club again.
He believes he had a gentleman’s agreement to leave the Portuguese giants for £50million with a further £8million in add-ons, but that claim has been denied by president Frederico Varandas.
The former Coventry man then reportedly threatened to go on strike while vowing not to play for the club again if they don’t lower their offer.
But Varandas insisted he will not be bullied into letting the Arsenal and Manchester United target move to the Prem on the cheap this summer. He said: “Sporting will not accept blackmail and insults – you should know me better by now.”
But Gyokeres has now tried to play down the squabble by writing on his Instagram story on Thursday evening: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”
It also comes after reports claimed that Arsenal submitted a new bid for Gyokeres on Wednesday, with his agent Hasan Cetinkaya visiting London to fast-track the transfer.
Chelsea ‘refuse to meet Ekitike valuation’
Huge Ekitike has leapt to the front of striking speculation in the Prem tonight.
And it’s claimed Chelsea as well as Liverpool have already put in bids for the Manchester United target.
But Eintracht Frankfurt are said to have rebuffed the Blues’ offer for the 22-year-old.
Chelsea did, however, beat United to the signature of Ipswich’s Liam Delap.
And France U-21 star Ekitike might reckon Old Trafford is his best chance of rapid development in the Prem.
Cunha reveals grand design behind Red Devils’ move
Matheus Cunha offered a slightly new twist on players who insist they always wanted to play for their new clubs.
The Red Devils’ recruit from Wolves claims it all started at his GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE.
Cunha said: “It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player. Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.
“I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.
“I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my team-mates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top.”
Man Hu-nited?
Manchester United’s interest in Hugo Ekitike is looking serious.
Sky Germany say the Red Devils have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt to “register” their keenness for the Frenchman.
The former PSG fringe player, 22, has five Under-21 caps.
Other Prem clubs are also big admirers of Ekitike.
But he’s understood to have rejected Newcastle back in 2022.
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