Portuguese giants Sporting have reportedly identified Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik as a possible replacement for in-demand striker Luis Suarez. Suarez, who is set to jet out to the World Cup with Colombia this summer, has been touted as a target for Premier League giants Liverpool recently. Newcastle United are also believed to be pushing for the 24-year-old, having already had a bid rejected in May.
Suarez allegedly has a release clause believed to be around £69m, and Sporting have previously insisted they are under no pressure to sell. However, there is an expectation that a strong World Cup will make an exit all the more likely.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Swans striker Vipotnik is one of several options being lined up in case of a sale. At this stage, WalesOnline understands there has not yet been any sort of expression of interest from the Portuguese side. Initial discussions have previously taken place with Sporting's rivals Benfica, however, although they are similarly yet to firm up their interest.
Meanwhile, West Ham United have been monitoring Vipotnik since January, and have also shown interest in midfielder Ethan Galbraith. A couple of clubs in Italy have also been mooted as possible admirers of the Slovenian, who is likely to dominate much of the narrative around Swansea's summer. Interest in the player back in January prompted Swansea to slap a £15m price tag on him. However, with the player recently signing a new and improved deal with the club, his value is expected to be higher going into the summer window.
Vipotnik, who finished the season as the Championship's leading scorer by clocking up 23 goals, has already expressed an ambition to one day play in the Premier League. 'The desire is definitely there, but a lot of things would have to come together,' he said recently. 'For now, I am really happy at Swansea. We will see what happens in the summer.'
