Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim 'cannot wait until the summer' to sign player as transfer plans change

Ruben Amorim 'cannot wait until the summer' to sign one of Manchester United's transfer targets, according to a new report, as Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee continue to be linked with a move.

It looks like United's transfer plans have changed as a result of their poor run of form.

A big-money move for in-form Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres was 'pencilled in' for next summer, according to The Mirror. In fact, Amorim himself said he wouldn't try to sign the Swede in January.

Before joining United, the Portuguese head coach was asked about the prospect of reuniting with the striker in Manchester.

"No, no, no," he replied. "I cannot be funny with that in this moment. It was tough for me to leave, if I start joking about that with Gyokeres, I’ll have problems. This is my city, this is my country, I will respect."

He added: "Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life is going, maybe, somewhere else."

Now, it has emerged that United will 'step up their bid' to sign Gyokeres, with The Star suggesting they will make a move in January rather than the summer.

How much would the potential transfer cost?

So far, the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona have been linked with a move for Gyokeres, as well as Manchester United, who are the favourites to snap up Sweden's top talisman.

It is said Gyokeres has already made up his mind on which club he wants to join in the future, according to The Sun, who suggest he has his heart set on a reunion with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.

The 26-year-old certainly has plenty of options ahead of the January window and his camp are considering options from across Europe.

That's according to The Athletic, who suggest there is an expectation that Gyokeres will leave Sporting at the end of the season, although a January move cannot be ruled out.

Viktor Gyokeres continues to be linked with a move away from Sporting. Image credit: Getty

It is also claimed that the striker has a hefty €100 million [£83m] release clause in his contract but Sporting are 'likely' to do business for around €70 million [£58m].

Gyokeres built a close bond with Amorim at the Portuguese club, which naturally puts United in contention if they are interested.

But that relationship is 'no guarantee' that he will favour a move to Old Trafford, according to the report, with the situation being deemed 'open' as the player and his camp consider their next move.

The latest report from The Star suggests United would have to fork out around £80 million for the player, with Sporting president Frederico Varandas set to hold United to the full amount if Gyokeres departs mid-season.

Is he worth the money? Let us know in the comments.