Alvaro Morata to Manchester United: Jose Mourinho hopes to beat Real Madrid to Juventus striker - reports

Mourinho still hopes to sign Ibrahimovic after securing the £30m capture of defender Bailly

Thursday 09 June 2016 09:24 BST

Alvaro Morata is being targeted by a host of clubs this summer (Getty)

Manchester United boss José Mourinho is reportedly planning a bid to sign Álvaro Morata from Juventus after managing the Spaniard during his three-year reign at Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from across the continent since leaving the Bernabéu but the likely outcome involves Madrid utilising a buy-back clause in his contract, believed to be in the region of £25m, before selling him on for further profit.

Mourinho still hopes to sign Zlatan Ibrahimović on a lucrative one-year contract after securing the £30m capture of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal on Wednesday but Marca report the Portuguese is also keen on taking Morata to Old Trafford.

Madrid’s option to re-sign their former striker expires on 15 July, leaving United with a decision to make. Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, must determine whether it is worth waiting to see if Madrid make their interest known or trying to beat the Spanish giants with an offer in the coming weeks.

Mourinho has assured the United hierarchy that teenage sensation Marcus Rashford will be handed the opportunity to continue his remarkable form into next season. But the former Porto, Internazionale, Real Madrid and two-time Chelsea boss is said to crave experience as he bids to restore his new club's place among the European elite.

Speaking after the signing of Bailly was confirmed, Mourinho said: “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Show all 9

1/9Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Juan Mata

The Spaniard perhaps has most to worry about from Mourinho’s appointment, having been sold to United by the Portuguese in 2014, but while Mata lacks the pace and physical strength to become a key man under Mourinho, his knack of scoring goals in big games may yet play in his favour.
Survival rating: 6/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Marcos Rojo

The Argentine defender has endured an injury-hit time at Old Trafford since arriving from Sporting Lisbon two years ago. While Rojo possesses the physical attributes of a typical Mourinho defender, his poor concentration ensures his days will be numbered.
Survival rating: 3/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Ander Herrera

The £28.8m midfielder is under threat with Mourinho because he lacks a defined role and has struggled to make an impact during two seasons at United. Does not do enough to influence games and could be offloaded this summer.
Survival rating: 4/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Daley Blind

The Dutch defender became a key man under Louis van Gaal, impressing at centre-half last season having also played in midfield and at full-back. Blind may lose his centre-back position under Mourinho, but his versatility will earn him a stay of execution.
Survival rating: 8/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Phil Jones

Once regarded as a future England centre-half, but Jones has endured an injury nightmare at Old Trafford. But Mourinho likes to build his teams around a core of domestic players and Jones may yet be given the chance to prove himself for that reason.
Survival rating: 6/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Bastian Schweinsteiger

The Germany captain was a major disappointment last season having arrived to great fanfare from Bayern Munich. A Van Gaal loyalist, Schweinsteiger may find life too demanding under Mourinho and he appears an obvious candidate to be moved on.
Survival rating: 2/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Marouane Fellaini

Fellaini divides opinion at Old Trafford, with many regarding the Belgian as typifying the worst of Van Gaal’s reign, but he is effective and Mourinho is likely to regarded the former Everton midfielder as a useful Plan B, particularly with his physical presence.
Survival rating: 7/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Memphis Depay

Mourinho turned Arjen Robben into a star during his first spell at Chelsea and Depay arrived at United with a reputation as Holland’s successor to the Bayern Munich winger. He had a disastrous first season, though, and needs to improve his attitude to survive under Mourinho.
Survival rating: 5/10

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Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list

Adnan Januzaj

Januzaj became a forgotten man under Van Gaal, but United still believe the Belgian can become a world-class talent. He will be forced to accept Mourinho’s tough approach, but it worked for Joe Cole at Chelsea and Januzaj could yet salvage his United career under the Special One.
Survival rating: 6/10

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“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”

The Ivorian central defender has made 15 appearances for his country and was part of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, having appeared in all six matches.

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