Manchester United plotting £175 million move for Sporting CP trio after hiring Ruben Amorim - Reports
Manchester United are planning to spend £175m on three Sporting players next summer, according to The Sun. The Red Devils are apparently planning to sign defender Goncalo Inacio, midfielder Morten Hjulmand and striker Viktor Gyokeres at the end of this season.
The Premier League giants parted ways with Erik ten Hag last Monday and have already announced Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as his successor. The Portuguese will take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, during this month's international break.
There have already been speculation that Amorim will immediately raid his former club for players. The new Manchester United manager has announced that he will not sign any players from Sporting in January.
However, it now appears that he will turn to the Portuguese club at the end of this season. The Red Devils signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to bolster their backline this summer, along with Noussair Mazraoui.
However, Amorim's preference for a back three could see them move for Inacio in 2025. The Portuguese defender is a long-term target for Manchester United and is expected to cost £50m.
The midfield also remains a concern for the Premier League giants, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen expected to be shown the door in 2025. The Red Devils have now decided to move for Hjulmand next summer to address the issue, with Sporting likely to demand £40m for the Norwegian defender.
Finally, Manchester United are also eyeing a move for Viktor Gyokeres, who has transformed into a world class striker under Amorim. The 26-year-old has already registered 20 goals from 16 games for Sporting this season and could be an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. He has a release clause in his deal and the Red Devils are hoping to get him for £84m next summer.
How many games will Ruud van Nistelrooy be in charge of Manchester United?
Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in charge at Manchester United on interim basis ahead of Ruben Amorim's arrival. The former striker initially joined the Red Devils this summer as Erik ten Hag's No. 2.
Nistelrooy registered an impressive start to his temporary reign, securing a 5-2 win over Leicester City in midweek in the EFL Cup. He is now preparing for Sunday's game against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman will also be in charge in the Europa League game against PAOK and next weekend's league tie against Leicester City at home. It is unclear if Nistelrooy will keep his position following Amorim's arrival.