LONDON: Ruben Amorim told Manchester United chiefs he should not wait until next summer to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report.
The Sporting Lisbon forward has excelled scoring goals under the Red Devils boss at the giant Portuguese club and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford following the club’s severe slump.
United could see both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee leave the club during the January transfer window, with Rashford keen to take on a new challenge. The Dutch striker has also struggled to adapt since arriving last summer.
After the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle last Monday – their ninth defeat of the league campaign – Amorim suggested he would not be able to improve his squad in the winter when he said: “We don’t have that possibility in January.”
However, according to the Daily Star , the Portuguese manager has now told club bosses that bringing in Gyokeres this month is a necessity.
The 26-year-old left Championship side Coventry last year in a deal worth £20 million following the club’s defeat in the second division play-off final at the hands of Luton.
But a move to Old Trafford forced the club to spend an estimated £80 million (RM448 million) to fulfill a clause in his contract.
Recent reports suggest United need to sell several players before they can bring in new talent.
Last month Gyokeres sparked speculation he would move to the EPL if he expressed his desire to play in the English top flight.
United face leaders Liverpool this Sunday before their FA Cup third round clash against Arsenal at the Emirates.