Zlatan Ibrahimovic Released by Manchester United as Alvaro Morata Deal Draws Closer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will leave Manchester United when his contract expires on 30 June after being named as the only name on the club's released list revealed by the Premier League on Friday, 9th of July. The Swedish striker signed an initial one-year contract upon his high-profile arrival at Old Trafford in July 2016, with that deal including the option of another 12-month extension. The 35-year-old is being tipped to continue his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury at Old Trafford, though there are no guarantees he will be offered a new contract.

United are in the market for a new striker this summer after being overly reliant on the Swede in 2016/17, as he finished as their top scorer with 28 goals in all competitions.

An impressive haul of 28 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions during his maiden campaign at Old Trafford boded well in terms of the two sides reaching an agreement, only for any best-laid plans to be torpedoed by a serious cruciate knee ligament injury suffered by the player against Anderlecht in April.

Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata appears to remain their chief target, with The Telegraph reportingthat the Spaniard has agreed a deal and is now waiting for the two clubs to settle on a fee. Having already seen a bid of £52.3m ($66.5m) rejected, United are said to be hopeful that a second offer worth £60m will clinch his signature.

Romelu Lukaku and Andrea Belotti have also been shortlisted, although the former looks likely to return to Chelsea from Everton and Torino remain steadfast in their desire to keep the latter amid a €100m release clause that is open only to clubs

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Roma Midfielder Signs New Deal with Italian Club

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Tiemoue Bakayoko is a Better Player than Nathaniel Chalobah, Insists Antonio Conte

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