When Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Manchester United career came to an end thanks to an ACL injury, earlier this year, it was expected that the mighty Swede's time in England had, sadly, been brought to a premature close.
And, while Ibrahimovic's rehabilitation is being undertaken in Manchester, little is known about whether he has a future at Old Trafford, with the option for United to re-sign him to a short term deal in the new year not out of the realms of possibility.
However, a player of Ibrahimovic's talent and stature can only remain a free agent for so long before other clubs begin snooping around. And today rumours are abound that Australian outfit Melbourne City are in pole position to sign the former Sweden captain, with Manchester City's money behind them to bankroll a move for the former United striker.
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Yet the A-League side are reportedly set to face some serious competition from Newcastle United, with the Magpies being revealed as a surprise suitor of the 35-year-old.
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Since sustaining his ACL injury against Anderlecht, during the Europa League quarter-finals, in April, Ibrahimovic has been linked with a host of clubs, most prominently Napoli and LA Galaxy. Given the way he adapted so effortlessly to the Premier League at 35 years of age, you would think that the former AC Milan and Barcelona striker would prefer to remain in Europe for the remainder of his career, knowing that he can still perform at the highest level.
Given Newcastle's struggles in the Premier League in recent years, the newly promoted Magpies could do with the experience a player of Ibrahimovic's quality brings,even if it's only for the second half of the season, following his return from injury. especially if they end up facing another relegation battle.
However, if will becoming the face of Melbourne make Zlatan think differently?
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Newcastle United
