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Viktor Gyokeres has outlined his ambition to play for ‘one of the best teams in Europe’ and fuelled rumours of a move away from Sporting next summer.
The 26-year-old striker has been in barnstorming form for Sporting this season, scoring 26 goals in 24 games for the Primeira Liga outfit.
It comes after Gyokeres’ outstanding debut campaign in Lisbon last term, in which the Sweden international racked up 29 goals to help steer Sporting to the club’s 20th league title.
Recent reports emanating out of Portugal indicated that Sporting could be prepared to sanction Gyokeres’ sale should they receive an offer in the region of £63million for their prized possession at the end of the season.
And while a winter move appears unlikely, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been heavily linked ahead of the January transfer window.
Earlier this week, Gyokeres got his hands on the Guldbollen award, given to the best male Swedish player in Europe each year and previously won by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Freddie Ljungberg and Henrik Larsson.
On winning the prize, Gyokeres told Spanish publication Marca: ‘I don’t play in the Premier League like others do, but I have done the best I can where I am.
‘I also showed it in Europe, in the Champions League and with the national team, so it was not just in Portugal.’
When quizzed on his future, the sought-after forward refused to rule out the possibility that he could be set for bigger and better things away from the Portuguese top flight next season.
‘We will see. There are many rumours circulating, but we are in the middle of the season and there are still many months left,’ Gyokeres said.
‘We will see when the time comes what will happen.’
Asked where he sees himself playing at the age of 30, Gyokeres replied: ‘Playing for one of the best teams in Europe. That is the objective.’
It has been a whirlwind few years for Gyokeres, who was playing for Coventry City in the Championship before making a £16.5m switch to Sporting just 18 months ago.
‘It has been difficult at times,’ he continued.
‘I have played many seasons in the Championship. It is a very good and tough league, but it is clear that I have always wanted to play in some more important leagues
‘For me, it doesn’t matter, it can take as long as necessary. When I arrived here I felt ready.
‘I could have come here when I was 19 or 20, but perhaps I would not have performed at the same level as now.’
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