West Ham transfer target Viktor Gyokeres has “put on the brakes” by reiterating his preference to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo [page 8].
The report states that West Ham were among a number of English clubs, including Everton, Burnley and Wolves, who were targeting Gyokeres this summer, but the Swedish striker would prefer to join Sporting as they approach total understanding.
It is unclear how far progressed the Hammers’ interest in Gyokeres was, but O Jogo have claimed that the English sides mentioned all tried to secure his signature before his preference was reiterated, and a recent report suggested they were “ready to push” for the deal.
While West Ham could undoubtedly do with new additions in the striker department, missing out on Gyokeres won’t be the end of the world. It is unclear whether West Ham had the Coventry City striker listed as a priority, with names such as Sheraldo Becker and Armando Broja being circulated recently.
Other names being linked to West Ham is good news, with plenty of options to fill the void left by Gianluca Scamacca, as last season’s £32million signing looks set for a move back to Italy
Having scored 21 goals and notched 12 assists in England’s second division last season, it is clear why there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the forward, following Coventry’s defeat to Luton Town in the EFL Championship playoff final.
Gyokeres would’ve been a fantastic signing for the Hammers, but it will ease their disappointment to know he won’t be joining a Premier League rival, with the switch to Portugal having little impact even indirectly on the East London club.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged surrounding their pursuit of “excell
