Viktor Gyokores appears to have had a change of heart regarding his stance on European football that blows the race to secure his signature wide open. The striker is expected to leave Sporting this summer after two sensational seasons at the club, and numerous sides around Europe are keen to acquire his services.

With so many clubs willing to cough up the £60million to sign the striker, Gyokeres certainly has the choice to be picky with his next move – and his requirements for his next club appeared clear-cut just a matter of days ago.

Reports from Record, in Portugal, suggested that the ex-Coventry star was keen to continue playing Champions League football next season, which handed Atletico Madrid an advantage in their pursuit – and ruled out several other clubs.

However, Gyokores seems to have had a change of heart. According to talkSPORT, he is now ‘open’ to a move to Manchester United and has not been deterred by them having no European football whatsoever next season as a result of finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final against Tottenham.

The decision will be music to the ears of the higher powers at Old Trafford, though the Red Devils are planning on offloading some of their fringe players before pressing on with their pursuit of a striker.

But the decision may not be too much of a shock to Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese boss is said to have remained in contact with Gyokores since he left Sporting to head to the Theatre of Dreams and would ‘relish’ the chance to reunite with the 27-year-old if an agreement can be reached.

However, there are a handful of United players who could jeopardise Amorim’s hopes of beating the competition to Gyokeres. Aston Villa opted against activating the £40million buyout clause in their loan deal to sign Marcus Rashford, and he remains on the market. Similarly, Jadon Sancho has returned from his spell at Chelsea after failing to reach an agreement with the club on personal terms.

Alejandro Garnacho is also expected to leave United this summer after a series of falling-outs with Amorim. The Argentine has been linked with Napoli and Chelsea previously, though it remains to be seen whether that interest remains after the player raised eyebrows by questioning his lack of game time in the Europa League final.