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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Ruben Amorim explains why Manchester United may reject Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Target: Viktor Gyokeres - (AFP via Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim has explained why Manchester United could reject a move for Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

The pair worked together at Sporting, until Amorim moved to Old Trafford last year, and have since been linked with a reunion. Gyokeres is one of the most in-demand strikers across Europe, having scored a staggering 38 goals in 30 league appearances this season, including seven in his last two.

Sporting expect to lose the 26-year-old this summer, and there is a £85million release clause in his contract, which still has four years to run. According to reports, a fee closer to £60m could prove enough.

But Amorim is not convinced Gyokeres will be making a summer move to Old Trafford amid claims the striker wants to only play for a club in the Champions League.

United are in a fight to qualify for the competition next season, with winning the Europa League their only path as they prepare to face Athletic Club in the semi-finals.

However, should United earn a spot in next season's Champions League, Amorim says he could yet snub his former player.

"I haven't spoken to Gyokeres," Amorim told Sport TV Portugal. "But if a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he won’t come.

"We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions."

Amorim had earlier underlined the importance of Champions League qualification to United's summer plans, telling reporters: "Nothing is going to save our season, but this can be huge; winning a trophy.

"Being in the Champions League could change a lot of things in our club this summer."

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