- Manchester United's target Viktor Gyokeres is apparently angry with Sporting Lisbon.
- The manager of Sporting, Rui Borges, has addressed the upcoming plans for the Swedish forward.
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The manager of Sporting Lisbon, Rui Borges, was tight-lipped when questioned regarding Viktor Gyokeres' prospects during a press conference on Tuesday.
Gyokeres, who is 27 years old, has frequently been associated with Manchester United lately, as the Red Devils have moved ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea In the competition for his autograph.
The forward from Sweden seemed to say goodbye to Sporting's supporters after helping the team achieve a local double last month; however, he continues to be part of the Portuguese side for the time being.
On Tuesday, Borges attended an event celebrating the 99th anniversary of the provincial team Sport Clube de Mirandela – the club where his soccer career started. When questioned about Gyokeres, he stayed silent.
'Secure your spot? Sporting's journey starts on July 1st,' Borges said to journalists.
'Those are the only words I have, and primarily, I am here to acknowledge this honor bestowed upon me. Enough said. I’m on leave; I’m not here to discuss anything else.'
Borges has no interest in discussing the future of Gyokeres at present, however, the player apparently feels angry about how Sporting is managing his possible departure.
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 assured that he would be allowed to depart from Sporting this summer with an initial payment of €60 million (£51 million). Additionally, there are potential add-ons totaling €10 million (£8 million), which would bring the total transfer value down to £59 million.
Nevertheless, as reported by a Portuguese source Record Sporting's board is currently looking for around €80 million (£67 million) before they would let Gyokeres leave.
It is thought he is furious about Sporting's change of heart and believes they haven't lived up to their promises to him.
Gyokeres has reacted by deleting all references to Sporting from his Instagram account, as he has done with mentions of both Sweden and Nike.
Manchester United were unable to secure a deal before the 'special' transfer window closed on Tuesday evening, but they might make another attempt for Gyokeres when the window re-opens later this month.
His present coach claims he isn’t considering letting go of his key forward just yet, but this might turn into reality over the next few weeks as United along with other possible buyers show interest.
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