Man United 'pull ahead in Gyokeres race' with 'Ratcliffe offering huge boost'

Manchester United have reportedly moved one step closer in their bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

Ruben Amroim's side are currently reeling from their worst Premier League campaign in the competition's history, with the Portuguese determined to increase his side's firepower in the transfer window.

The disastrous season was compounded by the club's defeat against Tottenham in the Europa League final last month.

Throughout the campaign both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to inspire confidence leading the line at Old Trafford.

As a result Amorim has wasted little time in his search for a suitable frontman this summer.

Former Brighton striker Gyokeres has long been touted as United's top transfer target, with the Swede having previously worked under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon where he has enjoyed a prolific spell.

Gyokeres has been linked with moves to several clubs across Europe this summer, with Arsenal said to be keeping tabs on him in their own search for a striker.

The financial impact United's failure to qualify for European football initially looked to severely damaged their hopes of securing the 27-year-old.

However, according to a report from The Sun, the funds to sign Gyokeres this summer may have actually come from a surprising source.

According to the report, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ruthless cost-cutting measures at United have opened up the coffers for Amorim to spend this summer.

United's recently released quarterly accounts from the club revealed that the club's operating expenses have dropped by over £40million.

Gyokeres, who netted 39 league goals from just 31 starts in the Portuguese top flight last season, reportedly has a release clause of £85million.

However, Amorim could ultimately pay significantly less in his bid to reunite with Gyokeres as Sporting are said to be willing to consider bids in the region of £60million to allow their star man to depart.