EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle most active in Gyokeres race

Steve Kay

• Updated: 3 Dec 2024 15:03 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Newcastle have been locked in negotiations for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with talks ongoing with the player's agents over a potential move, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The in-form striker is very open to joining the Tyneside club and a return to England in general. We understand he appreciates the Magpies' ambition and recognises that he’s far more likely to get regular game time there compared to Arsenal, Manchester United, or Manchester City, each of whom are admirers of the 26-year-old.

Gyokeres has made it clear that wherever he goes starting regularly is a priority. And Eddie Howe views the former Coventry City player as the perfect man to bolster Newcastle’s chances of securing European football next season.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle is anything but secure, and Arsenal are one of the clubs to be interested in the Swedish forward as they look to strengthen their attacking options in 2025.

If Isak were to depart, Newcastle would need a high-calibre replacement, and Gyokeres has emerged as their primary candidate.

Viktor Gyokeres' valuation

Compared

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

VS

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

27	Appearances	17
33	Goals	9
9	Assists	3
56	Key Passes	27

We are told that Gyokeres is valued at around €75 million and for Newcastle, any future sale of Isak will balance the books in terms of PSR.

READ MORE: Champions League top scorers 2024/25

Sources inform us that Manchester United are also contenders for Gyokeres’ signature. However, with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee already in their attacking lineup, United may struggle to guarantee him regular playing time, even though they have a link to the forward's club via new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Consequently, it means that Newcastle are in pole position for the attacker. It would come as a massive boost to the club that are enduring another below-par season. The club currently sit in 11th spot in the Premier League and are in all domestic competitions at this stage.