Everton now have an offer in the pipeline for the transfer of Coventry City star Viktor Gyokeres. But the forward is enthusiastic about a potential switch to Sporting Lisbon.
That is according to A Bola, which reports that Everton remain in the running for a transfer with Coventry for Gyokeres this summer. Brighton & Hove Albion are also considering a bid to coax him into the Premier League. He enjoyed an exceptional term in the Championship.
Gyokeres helped the Sky Blues reach the play-off final with 21 goals and 12 assists over 49 appearances in 2022/23. He registered each of his goals through the regular season before laying on two assists in the play-offs. The 25-year-old also scored one in his sole FA Cup tie.
Amorim make Gyokeres his top striker target at Sporting Lisbon
Brighton and Everton are now preparing offers to secure Gyokeres’ transfer from Coventry to boost their offensive ranks. Only Wolverhampton Wanderers scored fewer goals (31) in the Premier League in 2022/23 than the Toffees (34). The Seagulls found the net 72 times.
But Gyokeres’ record has convinced Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim to mark the 13-cap Sweden star as his top forward target. The Leoes are also set to advance their interest as the Sky Blues’ resolute €20m (£17m) asking price does not scare the Portuguese giants.
Everton are likely to miss out on his transfer from Coventry City
The Estadio Jose Alvalade outfit have also taken great encouragement from Gyokeres being enthusiastic about their interest. He appreciated what Amorim had to say during talks with the Sporting Lisbon boss and is now practically convinced by the project they have offered.
Sporting are yet to submit a formal proposal but have held talks with Coventry over a move for some time. Progress may come quickly after the international break, too, with Gyokeres now focusing on the Sweden national team to the bane of Everton’s interest in any transfer.
Gyokeres may have proven to be a very valuable addition to Everton’s attack had the Blues won the race for his transfer. But the Toffees appear likely to miss out to Sporting Lisbon on a deal for the Coventry marksman Sky Blues coach Mark Robins has showered with praise.
“You can’t replace him, everybody needs to know that,” Robins declared, via quotes by Sky Sports in November. “Everybody should know that. In the football department, everybody does know that. He’s one of a kind and there aren’t that many around. He’s priceless.”
