Ibra may be offered new contract if Belgian falls short
LONDON: Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be offered a new Manchester United contract next season.
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is closing in on a £75mil (RM416mil) Old Trafford move – and will replace the Swede up front. But if Ibra, 35, recovers from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that ended his season in April, according to the Mirror, United could offer him a new deal.
The Red Devils are helping Ibrahimovic recover from his devastating cruciate crock by letting him rehabilitate at Carrington.
Any potential new contract offer would depend on how successful Lukaku, 24, is next term.
United sources reckon if Jose Mourinho believes his team need more goals, he will turn to Ibrahimovic.
The club were desperate for Ibrahimovic to sign a one-year extension – amid interest from the Major League Soccer and Chinese Super League – before injury struck last term.
And it is believed Ibra is so impressed by United’s treatment towards him that he will give them priority should he recover before the year is over.
The seasoned hitman, who scored 28 goals in all competitions and won two trophies last season, shared a video of himself taking part in light training in May.
Ibra’s KO last term caused United chief Ed Woodward to immediately plot a deal for Lukaku. Chelsea were frontrunners to sign their former player, but United’s tenacious approach is said to have won over the Belgian.
He is also represented by Mino Raiola – the same agent who looks after Ibrahimovic and close pal Paul Pogba. Wayne Rooney’s sensational return to Everton is also a factor in allowing Lukaku to move the other way.
Rooney, 31, on Saturday, underwent a medical at the Toffees’ Finch Farm training ground, with the club expected to unveil him in the next 48 hours. — The Sun, London