Sporting CP break first! Portuguese side make key Viktor Gyokeres decision as striker continues pursuit of dream Premier League move

Gyokeres has been granted permission to join Sporting's pre-season camp a week late, according to O Jogo. The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and the decision comes after reports he was prepared to go on strike to force through a transfer.

While this does not necessarily indicate that Gyokeres is any closer to a move, it does give both club and player more time to resolve the situation surrounding the 27-year-old's future. Sporting want a reported £68 million ($92m) for their top scorer, which goes against a reported 'gentleman's agreement' that he can leave for less. This agreement was denied by club president Frederico Varandas, leaving Gyokeres furious.

Portuguese publication O Jogo claims that the reason for Gyokeres' delayed arrival to the pre-season camp, which begins on July 1, is his involvement with the Swedish national team earlier this month. But he in fact dropped out of Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad for a minor fitness issue and it has not been confirmed whether this was the reason for Sporting's decision.

Gyokeres has recently been spotted enjoying a holiday away in Greece as talk surrounding his future intensifies.

It is in the best interests of both player and club for this saga to be resolved soon. It is evident that Gyokeres wants to move on, but the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool may be unwilling to meet Sporting's asking price. The 27-year-old is likely to be at his peak value this summer, so it remains to be seen whether player or club are to soften their stance as the situation develops.