Liverpool set to rival Man United and Arsenal for Viktor Gyokeres

Liverpool are prepared to battle Manchester United and Arsenal for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres, according to the Sun.

The Reds are in the market for a new striker following the imminent departure of Darwin Nunez to Serie A champions Napoli.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is top of Arne Slot’s shortlist, however, a deal is proving difficult, with the Magpies preparing to make him the highest-paid player in their club’s history.

Viktor Gyokeres has already informed Sporting that he has no intention of playing for them again.

The 27-year-old is believed to be seeking a new chapter and is not expected to report for pre-season training.

He has reportedly turned down a summer move to Manchester United, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal currently leading the race for his signature.

The Sweden international was in sensational form last season, and his prolific goal-scoring exploits have not gone unnoticed.

Gyokeres, who has a €100m (£85m) release clause in his contract, has netted 97 goals in 102 matches during two seasons in Portugal.

He spent three seasons with Championship side Coventry City before joining Sporting under Ruben Amorim.

The Sweden international was in sensational form last season

Sporting president Frederico Varandas recently disclosed that the club have not received an offer for the striker and there is no ‘gentleman’s agreement’ for him to leave for £59m.

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last season.”

Last season, he racked up 52 appearances, scored 54 goals, and provided 13 assists for Sporting across all competitions.

“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause,” added Varandas.

“He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now.

“For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.

“In that same meeting the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value. I said this sentence: ‘It’s not worth us setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year’s time. I don’t know if it will be 40m euros, 60m euros or 80m euros. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100m euros.'”

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