Mourinho looking at January deal for crocked super Swede
The Reds last night completed the £75million capture of Romelu Lukaku from Everton after he came though a medical in Los Angeles – and the Belgium striker will be asked to replace Ibra as United’s talismanic centreforward.
But Zlatan could still become a new year addition to Jose Mourinho’s squad if he makes a full recovery from the cruciate ligament injury that ended his season in April.
The 35-year-old is currently at Carrington after accepting the club’s offer to complete his rehabilitation under their care. And senior Old Trafford sources believe that Ibrahimovic could complete a sensational comeback if Mourinho reckons he needs more firepower in January.
United wanted the Swede – who scored 28 goals after joining from Paris Saint-germain last summer– to sign a oneyear extension before he was injured, and there was also interest from the USA and China. But it is understood that Ibrahimovic has been so impressed by the level of care lavished on him throughout the summer that he will give United the first option when he returns. United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward began working on a deal for Lukaku within days of Ibra being injured in the Europa League clash against Anderlecht on April 20. It seemed that the Belgian was destined to return to Chelsea when he told Everton that he wanted to leave Goodison Park at the end of the 2016/17 season. But Lukaku was so impressed by Woodward’s persistence, and United’s willingness to meet the Merseysiders’ valuation, that he had a change of heart. The influence of Paul Pogba also played a part, with the Frenchman a close friend of the striker. And United’s willingness to cut a deal over Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton had a significant effect on the deal too. NEWCASTLE have moved into pole position to sign Jesus Navas.
The Manchester City winger is a free agent after leaving the Etihad and had been expected to agree a deal to return to Sevilla.
But talks appear to have stalled, with the Spanish club refusing to up their offer of £1.3million a year.
Navas has been told to make a decision by next Sunday if he wants to move home.
But a club source said: “If he decides not to come back it is not a problem.”
The situation has alerted Newcastle, who have put a proposal to the player’s agent.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez also has a clear run at England keeper Joe Hart after West Ham pulled out of the race to sign him.
The Hammers had looked at signing Hart on a season-long loan but are now focusing their attentions on a striker.