The future of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is shaping up to be the most intriguing saga of this summer's transfer window.
After scoring an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances over three seasons in Portugal, the Swedish international has attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Manchester United, who are managed by his former boss Ruben Amorim, are understood to want Gyokeres, while Arsenal are desperate to sign a striker.
But it now looks like a deal may be more complicated than the English sides anticipated.
Advert
Gyokeres has a €100 million release clause in his' contract, meaning Sporting would be powerless to stop his departure if such an offer was made.
But the 27-year-old believed he had struck a gentleman's agreement with club executives earlier this season to leave for a reduced fee.
According to reports, he was assured he could leave if a club offered €60 million (£51 million), plus €10 million (£8 million) in add-ons.
What is the issue with Gyokeres' transfer fee?
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Record on Wednesday, the Sporting president Federico Varandas rejected reports of a gentleman's agreement with the Swedish striker.
Advert
He said: "One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus 10m (£51m plus £8.5m) because I never promised him that.
"This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season."
Varandas 'guaranteed' he would not hold out for €100 million and it is rumoured that they would accept €80 million (£68.1 million).
Has Gyokeres responded to Varandas?
Gyokeres broke his silence on Thursday night with a short message on Instagram.
Advert
He wrote: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it false.
"I will speak when the time is right."
The post has only increased speculation, as the public fallout between Sporting's president and star players continues.
Swedish outlet Aftonbladet also reported on Thursday that the 'conflict' between Gyokeres and Sporting dates back a whole year.
Advert
They allege that the club intentionally leaked confidential medical information to prevent a transfer at the time.
Reports have also surfaced that the striker's agent has 'evidence in writing' of the so-called €70m gentleman's agreement.
Who has made a move for Gyokeres?
Record reported on Thursday that Arsenal had made their first move to sign the striker, offering €55 million and €10 million in add-ons.
Advert
But the offer falls short of Sporting's valuation and was quickly rejected by the club.
Manchester United's approach so far has been through intermediaries as they seek to understand the parameters of a possible deal.
After the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and ongoing pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, it is believed that United would need to raise funds before making a mvoe for Gyokeres.
Although a move to the Premier League appears to be the most likely destination for Gyokeres, Juventus and Napoli in Italy have also been linked.
And given the financial power of the Saudi Arabian clubs, a move to the Middle East can not be ruled out.
Topics: Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP, Transfer News, Manchester United, Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Ruben Amorim, Mikel Arteta
James Taylor