Man Utd eye prolific Sweden striker 'with £87m release clause' who is also 'wanted' by Chelsea

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for one of European football’s most in-form strikers as the the January transfer window approaches.

There had been concerns of Rasmus Hojlund’s form prior to the dramatic Boxing Day home win against Aston Villa when the former Atalanta striker finally notched his first Premier League goal to give his side a 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

Despite that obvious boost to his confidence, Hojlund could find he has further competition for a place in Erik ten Hag’s side after United were linked with a bid money move for Sporting CP frontman Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 20 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants from Coventry City during the summer transfer window.  However, Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha have now claimed United are ready to trigger an £87m release clause in his deal to bring Gyokeres back to England.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the former Brighton striker in recent weeks - but Gyokeres has already given an indication of where he sees his immediate future after making a stunning start to life in Lisbon.

He told Sportbladet: "I've only been here for almost six months so it's very early. It's too early to think about anything else.

"We are in the middle of the season, have progressed to the play-offs in the Europa League and are leading the league. So I don't focus on anything else. Right now everything feels very exciting with Sporting and I have no thoughts of leaving. I play here now, enjoy and do my best every game. I can't do anything more. I love playing here.

"Firstly, I think I got into the group very easily. I enjoyed myself from day one both on and off the field. I got here early in the pre-season, which was important. Then it started very well, but then it went a little rough, but after that it has only gone up. The fact that the players and the club have been very welcoming has been important."

Gyokeres will hope to continue his fine form when Sporting visit Portimonense on Saturday night.