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A pop star friend of Viktor Gyokeres has given an insight into the Sporting striker's current situation and revealed the message he sent him as his transfer frenzy continues to rumble on.
Having scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, Gyokeres is one of the most in-demand strikers in world football and his fine form has attracted strong interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus.
It appears as though the Swede has been given the ahead to leave Sporting for a new challenge this season, though no deal has been completed just yet despite an initial approach from United.
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A fresh report from Record in Portugal claims a furious Gyokeres, feeling as though Sporting have gone back on a gentleman's agreement they had regarding his departure, is now prepared to go on strike to force a move.
Unhappy about Sporting's inactivity, Gykokers is said to have told Sporting manager Rui Borges and other club chiefs that he will not play again and does not plan on returning for pre-season.
What Viktor Gyokeres told friend about transfer situation
The bombshell comes after musician and former Aston Villa trainee Tom Grennan discussed what Gyokeres told him when he asked for a transfer update.
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Grennan is a staunch Coventry City supporter and got to know him during his spell with the Sky Blues, where he scored 40 goals across two seasons.
Although not giving too much away, Gyokeres provided a six-word response to Grennan - who he believes he is United-bound because he is also best friends with Erling Haaland.
Speaking to co-host Roman Kemp on their You About podcast with the BBC, Grennan said: "I know him well. I actually messaged him and he said that there's different conversations going on. Do you know who his best friend is? Haaland. That is why I think he'll go to Manchester United because he'll be next door to Haaland."
It's understood that Sporting had promised the former Brighton striker that he could leave for a fee of €60m plus €10m in add-ons - instead of his €100 million release clause.
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However, the club’s general director Bernardo Palmeiro is believed to have told Gyokeres' agent that they want €80 million.
Sporting fire back and make Viktor Gyokeres blackmail claim
Sporting have responded to the recent reports regarding Gyokeres, with the club's president Frederico Varandas releasing an explosive statement on the matter.
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Varandas accused Gyokeres and his entourage of "blackmail and insults" and stressed that no proposals for Gyokeres have arrived, nor will they sell him for €60m plus €10m.
"I tried to take three days off, I came back yesterday. I saw so much information and counter-information that it is only fair to come and explain the process," Varandas said, via Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto.
"It started last year, when the season ended and Sporting became national champions. During the transfer market we saw that he was going to stay because there was no offer. The agent spoke to us to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he always did, and very well, managed the relationship with the agents. This relational space is established with the sports director.
"One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause. Hugo Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings until the agent demanded the presence of the president. At this meeting, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not present. He wanted to guarantee certain things.
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"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 100 or 90 million.
"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 40, 60 or 80. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand R$100 million.
"From then on, I never spoke to the agent again, I never spoke to the player about departures or values. Now I see the agent in the press releasing information.
"I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word.
"Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
"Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres."
Topics: Manchester United, Sporting CP, Sporting Lisbon, Viktor Gyokeres
Josh Lawless