Arne Slot is reportedly prepared to throw Liverpool into one of the most intense Premier League transfer races of the summer as links to Alexander Isak fade.
Slot has already completed a double raid on Bayer Leverkusen to seal deals for Jeremie Frimpong and a Premier League record transfer on Florian Wirtz.
Ahead of the return to preseason, Slot is chasing more new faces, with Milos Kerkez close to landing at Anfield.
However, with Slot aiming to offload Darwin Nunez next month, the Dutch coach could take on Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for Sporting CP marksman Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move back to England, with United rumoured frontrunners in the race, despite Arsenal's clear need for a striker.
The Sweden international is rumoured to be pushing hard to leave Lisbon, but the Portuguese giants are unmoved on their asking price, as the stand off rolls on.
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Gyokeres vs. Isak: Liverpool's striker question
Reports from Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha claim Liverpool have flagged up their interest in the 27-year-old with his club demanding €80-85m [$68-72.5m].
At the top end of the price bracket, that fee could reach just half of Newcastle United's rumoured push for £150m to consider selling Isak to a rival - with 20% of any fee being sent to former side Real Sociedad.
Gyokeres' current contract in Portugal runs until 2028 - after signing a renewal last summer - with Isak also tied to Tyneside until 2028.
The Magpies are confident Liverpool will not break the English transfer record twice in one window, but they are moving to retain their star asset, with a club record salary offer put forward to his representatives.
Gyokeres' goal tally in the Portuguese capital is nothing short of sensational, with 97 goals in 102 games, since joining from Coventry City in 2023.
54 goals in 52 games - including 39 in league action - eased Sporting CP to a Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal double at the end of 2024/25.
25-year-old Isak increased his personal tally last season, with 23 top-flight goals, and 27 overall as Eddie Howe's team clinched a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Finances place Gyokeres at around 50% cheaper than Isak, but with no Premier League experience compared to the latter's three seasons, and that remains crucial in Slot's thinking.
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