Viktor Gyokeres threatens to go public as Sporting CP striker's messages to president revealed amid war of words

In an exchange of private messages between Gyokeres and Varandas, the striker threatened to go public with his stance on the ongoing transfer saga surrounding him as he is tired of the president making what he says are false statement, according to Portugese outlet Record. The player who was granted permission to join Sporting's pre-season a week late, has now refused to join on time.

Gyokeres’ incredible return of 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP has attracted serious interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United.  However, Varandas has made it clear that the club will not consider any offer below their €80 million (£68m/$94m) valuation.

Gyokeres' agent Hasan Cetinkaya had a 'gentleman's agreement' with Varandas to sell the player below €100 million (£86m/118m). The agreement was reached at €70m (£60m/$82m) which could be split into €60m in fixed fees with €10m in add-ons. Now Varandas' refusal to sell the player at the agreed fee has left Gyokeres furious.

With his contract running until 2028, Varandas suggested he could end up staying at the club, saying: "Sporting does not need to sell him, but we remain sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and any of our athletes."

With Sporting set to extract as much as cash as possible from potential suitors, a feisty battle between the player and the club has been ensured with Gyokeres keen to move abroad and play at the biggest clubs in Europe.