It was at that point that the entire saga took a turn. Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas accused Gyökeres’s agent of “blackmail” and rejected the existence of an agreement which would see the striker sold for well below his €100 million (£85.1 million, $115.4 million) release clause.

Latest Manchester United transfer news as reports suggest that Viktor Gyokeres has turned down an Old Trafford move in favour of Arsenal

Plus: Andy Robertson is the subject of interest from Atlético Madrid; Gary ONeil tops Sheffield Uniteds wanted list as they look into a change of boss