Competition for Morata and FFP may aid United’s Perisic hunt

REHAB CONTINUES

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is planning on continued his rehab at Carrington despite being released by the club. Ibrahimovic is continuing on his path to return to the pitch with hydrotherapy sessions. Ibrahimovic is still ruled out until the end of the year but the club have left the option of the Swede re-signing with United once fit again.

SIR ALEX’S MESSGAGE

Sir Alex had a message for Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of the upcoming preparations and Tour. Sir Alex said: “The great thing about United is you’ve got to accept the challenge of beating the best. The expectation is always there and the matches we’ll face in the ICC are all big ones. It’s very good for the younger players to come into this type of competition in terms of preparing to be a Manchester United player. The more intense the challenge they can get, the better prepared they will be when facing Manchester City in an important league match or Real Madrid or Barcelona in Europe.”

SPURS FOR SMALLING?

Tottenham Hotspurs are believed to be interested in Chris Smalling. They face competition from Arsenal, West Ham and Everton. Spurs are looking to replace the out-of-favor Kevin Wimmer and want cover for their defensive dup of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Spurs reportedly put the Wimmer on the transfer list for £20m. United could get a similar amount for Smalling should the race for the Englishman heat up.

COMPETITION FOR MORATA

Chelsea have reportedly made a late entry in the race for Alvaro Morata. This news comes despite the fact that Morata has agreed personal terms with United (in principle). Mourinho would be etching to get one over Conte should Chelsea’s interest be legitimate. Despite Chelsea’s entry, United are expected to complete Morata’s transfer by the end of the week.

DREAM MOVE

After Benfica’s Anderson Talisca, another top European player has issued a come-and-get-me plea. This time it is PSV striker Jurgen Locadia. While a move for the Dutch youngster us highly unlikely, his comments highlight United as club able to attract top young players. The 23 year old said: “Manchester United is my dream, but via an intermediate step. I like the path Georginio Wijnaldum has walked, from Newcastle United to Liverpool.’ Locadia has impressive record in the Eredivisie and has scored 53 goals since bursting onto the scene with a debut hattrick.

PERISIC DEADLINE

Jose Mourinho reportedly wants United to complete the move for Ivan Perisic before the team departs to the United States for the Tour 2017. United are delaying the move in order to pressurise Inter to sell at a cut price deal. Inter have to raise £26m in order to stay in the right side of the Financial Fair Play rules by the end of the month. United hope to take advantage of the situation and secure a favourable deal.