pursuit of has been made even tougher due to a reportedly 'tense situation' between the forward and his club Sporting. Several clubs, including the Red Devils, are interested in signing Gyokeres this summer.

Despite claims of a 'gentleman's agreement' that the 27-year-old could leave for around £59million this summer, Sporting insist that no such deal was struck. Club president Frederico Varandas instead suggested that no value was placed on a potential deal, but that Gyokeres' full £85m release clause would not be demanded should any clubs express an interest. According to transfer expert , Varandas' comments have caused a 'tense situation' between the player and the club.

Gyokeres, who is reported to be 'furious' over the situation, will likely leave the Portuguese outfit this summer, but not for the smaller fee of £59m. That leaves the likes of United and Arsenal potentially having to stump up a much bigger sum than they initially suspected.

Varandas claims that a meeting was convened earlier in the season between himself, Gyokeres' agent, and Hugo Viana - the sporting director who has now joined Manchester City. Gyokeres is said to have been absent from the discussions over his future.

"At this meeting, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not present," Varandas said. "He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million euros.

"In that same meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value. I said this sentence: 'It's not worth us setting a value because I don't know what will happen in a year's time. I don't know if it will be 40, 60 or 80. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100 million euros. From then on, I never spoke to the agent again, I never spoke to the player about departures or values.

"Blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres."

According to wide-ranging reports, Gyokeres' preference is to join Arsenal this summer. However, United are also interested amid their determination to improve their forward line. A move for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo is also being targeted following their completed deal for Wolves star Matheus Cunha.