Why Man Utd could be shock contenders to sign £60m-rated Viktor Gyokeres as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal cost-cutting finally bears fruit

According to The Sun, the Sporting Lisbon frontman, who is attracting serious attention this summer, could now be on his way to the Premier League with the Red Devils making a strong case for his signature. A significant overhaul in United's financial structure has freed up funds for investment, and the club appears set to challenge Arsenal for Gyokeres, who was previously more closely linked with a move to North London.

United’s latest quarterly financial statements have revealed a marked reduction in operational spending, trimming down by £41.6 million ($56.29m) to £162.1m ($219m). These savings come as part of a wider efficiency drive led by Ratcliffe, whose INEOS-led group has taken the reins of football operations at the club. Despite the club’s enormous financial burden, notably the eye-watering £1.2 billion spent servicing debt accrued during the Glazer family's ownership, the cost-cutting measures have allowed United to realign their spending with long-term sustainability in mind.

Arsenal have had their sights set on Gyokeres for some time, but with their attention also drawn to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United sense an opportunity to make their move. The striker has a release clause set at £85m ($115m), but sources suggest that Sporting would be willing to consider offers in the region of £60m ($81.19m), a figure United could now realistically meet given their reduced expenses and recalibrated financial priorities.

Gyokeres isn’t the only name on United’s summer wishlist. The club has already sealed a £62.5m ($82.5m) agreement for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are believed to be deep in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo in a deal worth around £55m ($74.5m). These moves point to a busy window ahead as Ruben Amorim seeks to rejig a squad that has grossly underperformed in recent seasons.