MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Coventry player Gustavo Hamer (r) celebrates with Viktor Gyokeres after scoring the first Coventry goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Middlesbrough and Coventry City at Riverside Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
‘From my perspective’: Club owner bullish about keeping £25m Everton target Viktor Gyokeres this summer
Coventry City owner Doug King is remaining resolute regarding the potential departure of forward Viktor Gyokeres this summer, who Everton are keeping an eye on.
The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a move to Everton and has reportedly been valued at £25m by the Sky Blues.
However, King has suggested that he is ‘quite calm’ regarding the potential loss of such an influential player, insisting that from his ‘perspective’ Gyokeres has one more year remaining at Coventry City.
Speaking with BBC Sport, Doug King said: “The reality is that it’s early in the window. There is quite a lot of interest in Viktor.
He’s clearly made his comments to the press and we’ll see how it unfolds.
I’m feeling quite calm – and Viktor is still contracted to Coventry City.”
The Coventry owner continued: “He’s had a great season and is now playing international football. We bought the player, he’s had two good seasons with us, we’re still in the Championship and, from my perspective, he’s on another year.”
Gyokeres looking like less of a realistic target for Everton
Viktor Gyokeres has made no secret of his desire to leave Coventry this summer, insisting that his valuation is ‘quite a lot’ considering he has just one year remaining on his current deal.
Everton are said to be interested in the 26-year-old, but face competition from Sporting CP, who the Blues will welcome to Goodison Park during their pre-season preparations.
Indeed, Gyokeres may well be lining up at Goodison Park in the August fixture should he move on from Coventry, but which colour shirt he will be wearing remains unclear.
Everton desperately need fire power upfront, and a player of such potential would be a fantastic addition to Sean Dyche’s squad.
The Swede scored 22 goals in 50 games in all competitions last season, and if Everton can secure his signature, it could be a big step in the right direction for the club.
