Manchester United have been dealt a boost in the race for Viktor Gyokeres after Real Madrid rejected the chance to sign the Sporting CP forward. Gyokeres, 27, has emerged as a summer target for Ruben Amorim's side following an excellent season at Sporting, where he plundered 54 goals in 52 matches in all competitions.

It was at that point that the entire saga took a turn. Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas accused Gyökeres’s agent of “blackmail” and rejected the existence of an agreement which would see the striker sold for well below his €100 million (£85.1 million, $115.4 million) release clause.

Manchester United have eyed up both Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres this summer with the Sporting Lisbon star now rejecting the chance to move to Old Trafford