Viktor Gyokeres has fuelled talk of a move to Manchester United by admitting he dreams of emulating former Red Devils striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Sporting Lisbon star, 26, has become Europe's most sought-after striker since moving to Portugal on a free transfer 18 months ago. And United are one of many clubs interested in luring Gyokeres away from Lisbon at the end of the season.
While there is likely to be fierce competition to sign Gyokeres, United have emerged as the slight favourites to land his services after appointing his former boss, Ruben Amorim, as their new head coach last month.
Amorim may have sworn off raiding Sporting in the January transfer window but he has left the door open for a summer move - and Gyokeres' admiration for two former Manchester United stars has left fans buzzing online.
"The players I looked up to were Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo," Gyokeres told UEFA.com when he was asked who his idols were growing up ahead of Sporting's upcoming fixture against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
"It’s about how they performed on the pitch, they went the extra mile which impressed me. I wanted to do similar things on the pitch."
Both Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic had successful spells at Manchester United, who have seemingly identified Gyokeres as their next first-choice No.9. It was claimed last week by Sky Germany that United have already opened talks with Sporting over a deal for Gyokeres, who scored an impressive 43 goals last season.
The striker's contract contains an £83million release clause and runs until the summer of 2028. It has been suggested, however, that Sporting would do business for a lower sum of £66m due to a gentleman's agreement with the player.
Amorim has already played down talk of a move, while Gyokeres himself has been asked about the possibility of joining his former boss at Old Trafford. He also tried to cool transfer speculation in the wake of rumours that his departure from Sporting is imminent.
Gyokeres said last month: "Going with Amorim to Man United? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best."