Manchester United could borrow a striker from Atletico Madrid and bag a bargain from Real next month, while they also eye up a Barcelona target…
MAN UTD SET TO MOVE FOR MORATA
It appears increasingly likely that Manchester United will seek to paper over the cracks in their attack by borrowing a striker to see them through to the end of the season. One candidate to be 2023’s Odion Ighalo is Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
Atletico are open to offers for Morata, as they are for most of their players, with loan moves set to be considered by the Rojoblancos. The same goes for Joao Felix but Atletico are expecting a hefty package to consider loaning out their record signing.
Both put themselves in the shop window last night by scoring a goal apiece in Atletico’s 2-0 win over Elche, even if it had to be explained to Morata that he had in fact added to his tally of six for the season in 12 starts. ESPN reckons United are most keen on the Spain striker, especially if there is a loan deal to be done.
RED DEVILS EYE EARLY ASENSIO SWOOP
While they are in Madrid, United could help themselves to Marco Asensio.
The Spain attacker is approaching the end of his contract at Real Madrid, with seemingly little prospect of a renewal. Sport reckons the Red Devils are keen to get to the front of the queue by offering a modest fee to tempt Real into parting with Asensio in January.
Should the 26-year-old wait until the summer to become a free-agent, Mundo Deportivo suggests United will have competition from Barcelona and AC Milan. Around four years ago, Liverpool were perennially linked with Asensio, for whom they were said to be willing to pay close to £150million.
UNITED, CHELSEA WILLING TO BEAT BARCA TO BUSQUETS HEIR
Barca and United could also lock horns over Martin Zubimendi, with Chelsea also sniffing around the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Zubimendi has been on Barca’s list of potential replacements for Sergio Busquets, who is expected to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season. Sport reckons Xavi has made it abundantly clear to Joan Laporta that Zubimendi is the man he wants to anchor his midfield.
The only problem for Barca is that they would have cough up £51million to buy the 23-year-old out of a Sociedad contract that was only signed in October, one that ties him to La Real until 2027. Mundo Deportivo suggests United and Chelsea are more willing and able to pay the fee, with both Premier League clubs considering moving for the once-capped Spain international in January.
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