RUBEN AMORIM revealed he will not sign any Sporting Lisbon stars in January.
But the new Manchester United boss refuses to rule out a summer move for sensation Viktor Gyokeres.
United have only scored eight goals in nine top-flight games this season.
Ex-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has already netted 18 times so far — having hit 43 last term — but the Swede’s release clause is £84million.
Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult.”
Despite promising not to make any moves when the winter transfer window opens, Sporting bosses are privately admitting they expect Amorim to come in for his former players next summer.
Gyokeres — also being followed closely by Arsenal — refused to rule out a potential move to the Premier League.
He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know… I’m here.
“As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I think about.
“I’m just sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.”
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Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man Utd
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
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Another player Amorim could move for is centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Portuguese Amorim, meanwhile, has yet to speak to any of United’s players, including countrymen Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Ahead of joining on November 11, he added: “As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone — not even the players. I’m focused on Sporting.”
Ex-Red Devils winger Nani is backing Amorim to be a success.
Nani said: “He is in an excellent place and has all the conditions to do well.”
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