Coventry City manager Mark Robins insists that Everton-linked forward Viktor Gyokeres is "not going anywhere" in the January transfer window - claiming that a decision for his side to sell would be "absolutely ridiculous".
Gyokeres, who has added 12 Championship this season goals to the 17 he scored in the 2021-22 campaign, has been linked with a move to Goodison Park, along with Brentford, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, in recent weeks as Premier League bosses look to bolster their squads in the market.
But speaking to ConvertryLive about the future of the 11-cap Sweden international, Robins delivered a blunt but telling response.
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“Viktor is going nowhere," said Robins. "I can tell you now he is going nowhere in January. Absolutely no chance. I’ve spoken to Vik.”
Monday's home defeat to Wolves highlighted the urgent need for Everton to draft in further attacking support as they once again struggled in the absence of star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international has missed a large portion of the season due to injuries. However, he could make his return to action on Saturday as the Blues travel to the Etihad to face reigning champions Manchester City.
Currently sitting 17th in the table and outside of the relegation places by just a single point, Everton boss Frank Lampard has summer signing Neal Maupay available as his only fit, senior striker. While Anthony Gordon is the club's top scorer in the league this season with just three goals.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has been in impressive form at the Ricoh Arena, helping Coventry re-establish themselves as a formidable outfit in England's second tier, where they currently sit 13th in the table and are just two points outside the play-off places.
As well as interest in their 12-goal forward, English midfielder Callum O'Hare has reportedly been the subject of plenty of admiring glances from clubs higher up the footballing period. But Robins insists Coventry's star names will not be picked off in the January window.
“I spoke to Callum, bless him, prior to his injury and said you are not going anywhere,” he added. “There’s not a chance of them going anywhere in January. It would be absolutely ridiculous and I’m adamant that is happening. The only way people can go is if you have got people lined up, replacements lined up that are better. It’s not going to happen.”
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