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.

Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with Victor Osimhen regarding a potential move to Old Trafford, only to learn subsequently that Viktor Gyokeres has declined the chance to link-up with Ruben Amorim at the club.

Real Madrid were offered the chance to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but they are focusing on other targets as new boss Xabi Alonso begins to shape his squad