Jose Mourinho to seal tricky 80 million pound striker, once Manchester United sign Alvaro Morata

Advertisement

Manchester United will still move for Romelu Lukaku after they have sealed a transfer for Alvaro Morata, reports say.

The Everton striker was believed to have fallen off United’s radar in recent weeks with the Red Devils pursuing Morata.

United have already seen one bid knocked back for Morata and Chelsea were hopeful their interest in the Real Madrid attacker meant the Blues had a free run at Lukaku.

But, the Sun claim Jose Mourinho has ordered United to push forward with a deal for Lukaku as he prepares to smooth over his relationship with the Belgian.

Lukaku still holds a grudge against Mourinho after the Portuguese sold him to Everton for £28million as Chelsea boss.

Mourinho never gave Lukaku a fair crack at the whip, according to the striker himself, and the United manager will have to use all his charms to convince the Everton star to join him at Old Trafford.

Lukaku is prepared to meet with Mourinho although the 24-year-old is believed to prefer a dream return to Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte is also chasing Lukaku, but Everton are playing hardball with potential suitors by demanding a fee in the region of £80m – with some reports claiming the Toffees want £100m for their most prized asset.

Advertisement

Morata is expected to seal his move to United eventually, although the most recent reports are conflicting.

The Spain international was believed to have told close friends the deal to United was done, but reports in Spain claim Zinedine Zidane has told Real to block the transfer.

United submitted an offer of around £60m, but Real are now asking for a fee of almost £80m after Zidane’s intervention.

Mourinho is desperate to add serious firepower to his squad this summer after a difficult season upfront for his side.

The Red Devils struggled to find the back of the net and were often left cursing missed chances in games that finished as draws.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was by far the club’s top goalscorer, but the Swede will not play again until next year due to a serious knee injury and has confirmed his exit from Old Trafford.

Advertisement