Sporting revive Swansea striker Vipotnik interest if Suárez leaves

Sporting have renewed their interest in 24-year-old Swansea City striker Žan Vipotnik. The Slovenia international is under contract until June 2028, while any move is expected to cost more than €20m (£17.3m).

The Portuguese club would consider Vipotnik if Luis Suárez departs before the transfer window closes. Sporting are not currently seeking to sell the Colombian, but a major offer from Newcastle United or a Turkish club could alter their position.

Vipotnik was linked with Sporting and Benfica earlier this year, although neither club turned those initial approaches into serious negotiations. Sporting nevertheless kept the Swansea forward on their shortlist, leaving the player as a possible option for a later move.

The situation now gives the Lisbon club a defined route to the striker. Sporting would need the money from a Suárez sale and would also require a replacement, with Vipotnik viewed as one of the leading alternatives identified by the club.

Suárez remains an important member of Rui Borges’ squad. His agent, Fali Ramadani, has been presenting the forward to several clubs, while interest could develop quickly if teams fail to sign their preferred targets. Sporting are therefore preparing for the possibility of a late approach despite not actively pushing Suárez towards the exit.

The Colombian has experienced a difficult few weeks in Lisbon, adding uncertainty to the situation. Sporting hope matters settle as the window progresses, but a sizeable offer would create both the financial capacity and the need to return for Vipotnik. Swansea would then have to decide whether to keep a player who has remained under consideration in Portugal for several months.