Viktor Gyokeres latest action speaks volumes after huge Man United transfer claim

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly failed to report for pre-season training with Sporting Clube de Portugal, amid ongoing speculation over his future and links to Manchester United.

Arsenal had been engaged in talks with Sporting in the last few weeks but both parties have been unable to agree a fee. The Gunners are said to be preparing an offer worth €65million (£56m) with add-ons amount to €5m (£4m) and €10m (£8m), which would take the overall package to €80m (£69m).

But the Portuguese giants want a guaranteed €70m (£60m) with no add-ons for their prized asset. On Thursday, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that a move to Old Trafford remains a possibility, with the striker’s representatives aware that a deal could still be revived through the Reds.

There is already tension between Gyokeres and the club he helped with two league titles and a domestic cup - including their double last season. A few weeks ago, it was suggested that he would not return for pre-season and would look to force a move away from the Portuguese capital.

He has stayed true to his stance, with Portuguese outlet A Bola reporting that Gyokeres, who was due to report for pre-season on Friday, was absent. He is reportedly expected by Sporting to rejoin the squad by Saturday, ahead of their trip to the Algarve for their summer training camp.

But that now appears unlikely, with reports stating that he is still in Sweden and currently on 'strike.' It's added that only a last-minute breakthrough in negotiations would convince him to return to Portugal.

Sporting, meanwhile, will reportedly wait until Saturday before making a public statement on the situation. They are said to be monitoring whether Gyokeres continues to be absent without justification.

A Bola