It’s looking increasingly like José Mourinho will land free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his first Manchester United signing.
The mercurial Swedish striker has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford since departing from Paris St Germain at the end of the season, and when asked about the rumours in a press conference last month he grinned and said: “Let’s just see what happens.”
Sky Sports News last night reported that United hope to complete a one-year deal for Ibrahimovic before Euro 2016.
Absolutely huge! https://t.co/dYwcLulLFW
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 3, 2016
Ibrahimovic has made no secret of his desire to work Mourinho again, saying he has missed doing do “every day” since leaving Inter Milan.
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano and Marcus Christensen in The Guardian there has now been an agreement between club and the player’s agent Mino Raiola on personal terms, meaning the move will depend on a conversation between the forward and his former manager on what role he would play in the team.
The 34-year-old is reportedly not interested in featuring primarily as a back-up striker as he reaches the twilight years of his prestigious career, so he would need assurances from Mourinho before officially putting pen to paper.
He is currently with the Sweden squad preparing for their first Euro 2016 match against the Republic or Ireland on June 13.
The Guardian also reported that Tottenham were among a number of clubs to express an interest in the Swede, but his heart appears to be in Manchester and Manchester only.
He will also have the chance to renew rivalries with new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who managed the Swede at Barcelona but comes in for a huge amount of criticism in Zlatan’s book.
Should be fun.
