Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is refusing to be drawn on speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.

There were claims in the Portuguese media this week that the Blues had had an €85m (£73m) bid rejected for the Swedish international; reports that have since been denied. When asked about the rumours, though, the former Coventry City player said:

“I don’t think anything about it. I’m here and we have important games to play, I’m focused on that. There’s a lot of talk on social media and elsewhere, but I’m not focused on that. I don’t think about anything else. I’m here right now. I’m 100% focused on this and the club.”

After scoring 22 goals in all competitions this season, it is not a surprise that Chelsea have looked at Gyokeres, especially considering their issues up front, but there is a major obstacle to getting a deal done in January.

Sporting are not going to let him leave for below his release clause

When news broke of the reported offer from Chelsea, Sporting boss Ruben Amorim was asked about his thoughts on the situation. He said he wasn’t aware of the proposal from the Blues but he made it clear what it would take for his club to part ways with the forward this month:

“I don’t know [about the bid], I didn’t even ask [director of football Hugo Hugo] Viana. Obviously, I was informed of the news. As soon as they said it was €85m, I thought: ‘that’s not enough’. It’s only €100m. I’m not worried.”

Chelsea will look at alternative transfer targets

It is believed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are not prepared to pay the €100m (£86m) required to sign Gyokeres. With that being the case, cheaper options will be sought out.

One of the main candidates being considered at the moment is Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema, but there are still doubts about whether he will be available on loan.