Manchester United appear to have moved quickly to replace the outgoing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata agreeing to a move to Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old became Jose Mourinho's top target once Ibrahimovic was ruled out for the best part of a year with an ACL injury and now the Spaniard appears close to replacing the Swede as United's number nine.
United have already seen one bid of £52 million rejected for the Los Blancos forward, who only returned to the Bernabeu last summer, following a two year spell with Juventus.
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Old Trafford officials believe an increased offer of £60 million will be enough to land the Champions League winning striker, who netted 20 times in 43 games for the Spanish champions, last season.
Morata's return to the Bernabeu looks like it will be short lived. Image: PA
It was originally believed that Ibrahimovic would sign a new deal at Old Trafford, with the 35-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, claiming that the former Sweden captain wanted to remain in Manchester, despite his injury.
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Jose Mourinho seems to have other ideas, however, and the Swede is widely expected to be released by United in the coming days.
He may have scored 28 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, but Ibrahimovic's ACL injury looks set to have brought a premature end to the Swede's time as a United player. Image: PA
With Romelu Lukaku, another Mourinho target, favouring a return to Chelsea over a move to Old Trafford, the way has been paved for Morata's move to be finalised, with the former Juventus man reportedly informing friends that he expects to be playing his football for the Europa League and EFL Cup holders, next season.
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Morata also set rumour pages alight by following several United players on Instagram which, in modern football terms, is as good as the old fashioned 'Come and get me plea'.
Despite making over 40 appearances and adding further La Liga and Champions League winners' medals to his collection, Morata is seeking regular first team starts, something which Real manager Zinedine Zidane couldn't promise the 24-year-old, who made most of his appearances from the bench, last season.
Manchester United's next number nine? Image: PA
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Morata's agent, Juanma Lopez, confirmed his client's wishes, saying, "He doesn't want to go through another season like that. It was a great season, but he wants to play more.
"Alvaro is a player who wants to play a more important role. He wants to play more. That's normal for a striker who's scored 19 goals. It's not enough."
United fans, are you happy with Morata as your potential new number nine, or would you rather Mourinho focus his attentions elsewhere?
Have your say in the comments section, below and on Facebook.
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(H/T The Telegraph)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Alvaro Morata, Real Madrid