Man Utd 'opens negotiations' for Viktor Gyokeres transfer after striker's message to Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have entered into concrete negotiations to make Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres one of Ruben Amorim's first signings at the club, according to reports. United are reportedly pushing for Gyokeres' signature but will face intense competition from rivals Manchester City, who have launched their own quest.

Amorim has been heavily tipped to reunite with his faithful Sporting servants at Old Trafford, despite inheriting £108.5million striker duo Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

And if he ruled out targeting players from his former club during the January transfer window, the Portuguese coach left the door open for next summer.

“I won't sign any Sporting players to Man United in January… then what will happen in the summer, I don't know. Sporting players are good players. We'll see what happens,” explained Amorim on his departure.

Gyokeres sent a clear message to Amorim by scoring six goals in his first three games since his manager left Lisbon for Manchester.

And, according to Sky Germany, United have now made it clear they intend to sign Gyokeres amid fierce competition across the city.

It is claimed that the Red Devils have had initial concrete discussions over Gyokeres' summer arrival and are firmly in the frame.

However, the report adds that City have also accelerated their efforts to lure the 26-year-old talisman to the Etihad Stadium.

New sporting director Hugo Viana, who will leave Sporting next year, would do everything possible for Gyokeres to join him rather than Amorim.

And United's hopes of a deal are further complicated by their reported need to raise funds via player sales.

Finances are tight at Old Trafford due to restrictions imposed by the Premier League and UEFA regulations.

United's looming debt has left the club outside the financial rules, triggering Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ruthless cost-cutting process this year.

The Under-16 giants sanctioned several high-profile player sales over the summer to back Erik ten Hag with an additional £200m in the transfer market.

They may need to be as active as possible to ensure that Amorim receives the auspices he needs to help instill his new vision.

Many of the players the 39-year-old inherited at United will not fit his long-term plans and could therefore be poised for a budget increase.

Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford made encouraging debuts under Amorim's management, scoring seven goals in three games between them.

But Gyokeres' 67 goals in 71 appearances for Sporting could be too prolific a record to ignore if he becomes an opportunity as expected next year.