Sporting Lisbon are optimistic over securing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.
The Portuguese club are hopeful of announcing the striker’s arrival as a ‘special gift’ for the fans this weekend, according to Record.
There is a growing feeling around the club that Gyokeres could move to Lisbon in time for their 117th birthday, despite heavy interest from Everton and other Premier League sides.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported last week that the Toffees were preparing a bid for Gyokeres, while it has been revealed today that they could consider including Ellis Simms in a player plus cash deal for the Swede.
Everton are yet to make their first offer for the 25-year-old, who is valued at upwards of £20 million by Coventry.
With only one year left on his contract, Gyokeres told Swedish outlet fotbollskanalen.se that he believed his price tag was ‘quite a lot’ as he looks to leave the club this summer.
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The Daily Mail have reported that West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Brentford are also in the chase for Gyokeres, with his success coming as no surprise to his former Coventry teammate, Dom Hyam.
Speaking to The Sportsman, Hyam said: “I think he’s so good at what he does, his attributes are so rare as well. Obviously strikers have their qualities, but there’s nothing he’s bad at.
“I think as long as he keeps grounded, which I know he will, I think he’s got a massive career ahead of him.”
Viktor Gyokeres would be a big loss if he joins Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres is arguably one of Everton’s best striking options that they have been linked with this summer.
The move is realistic and would guarantee the Toffees goals, potentially taking them to a mid-table position rather than stuck in a relegation battle once again.
While Coventry value him at over £20m, a potential deal involving Ellis Simms could have helped the Toffees financially.
However, if Gyokeres is to move to Sporting Lisbon then it would be a big loss for Sean Dyche’s side.
Despite that, losing out to a European club would be a lot less painful than one of their Premier League rivals.