Leeds United make contact to sign Viktor Gyokeres as transfer news emerges
Leeds United have made contact with Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the forward does not intend to stay in the Championship and so turned down their advances, according to O Jogo in Portugal.
The article in O Jogo [01 July, pg 9] surrounds Gyokeres’ possible move to Sporting CP in the coming days, with the Portuguese club reportedly having agreed to a £17million fee with the Championship side, as well as a clause which would see Coventry given a percentage of any future transfer fee.
Leeds United was never a likely destination for the Swedish forward following their relegation from the Premier League, although their ambition can’t be faulted in looking to bring one of the top players in the division to Elland Road.
Gyokeres has attracted interest in the Premier League and across Europe this summer after scoring 21 goals as well as gaining 13 assists as Coventry made it to the playoff final, where they were defeated by Luton Town.
Leeds should set their sights on more realistic options
With Gyokeres being linked to Premier League clubs West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace, as well as clubs across Europe including Sporting CP who seem confident of bringing him to the club with the allure of Europa League football next season, he was never likely to remain in the Championship.
Leeds’ ambition has to be applauded, with a clear intent to bring one of the best players in the English second division to the club as they look to bounce straight back into Premier League football next season.
More realistic targets linked to a Leeds United move this summer include Nottingham Forest attacker Emmanuel Dennis who was linked to a move earlier in the week.
With the 49ers’ takeover of the club yet to be confirmed, it brings into question the reliability of the news that Leeds were negotiating for players in late May, given the takeover wasn’t even announced until 9 June.
In other Leeds United news, complications have emerged in Champions League club’s pursuit of Leeds star.