United turn to Morata in hunt for new target man

Álvaro Morata has emerged as Manchester United’s top transfer target as they seek a key signing to succeed Zlatan Ibrahmovic as their main centre-forward.

Jose Mourinho regards the Spain forward as a more viable option than Torino striker Andrea Belotti or Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, both of whom are far more expensive.

United’s interest in Morata is separate from any negotiations that may take place over David De Gea, although it is expected that Real Madrid might try to open talks over the goalkeeper.

Morata is valued at around £50 million but United are expected to bid less. Whatever fee is agreed, it will be substantially lower than the £100 million Everton are still quoting for Lukaku and the €100 million (£87 million) release clause that Torino are demanding for Belotti.

Mourinho is desperate to bolster his attack after frequently complaining about United’s wastefulness last season. The loss of Ibrahimovic, who suffered a cruciate ligament knee injury against Anderlecht on April 20, apparently led to United refocusing their transfer plans on a target man.

The club have dropped their interest in Antoine Griezmann for this summer. Any attempt to sign the French international was closed off once Atlético Madrid lost their appeal against a ban on them buying players during the window.