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Manchester United not in talks with Real Madrid over Alvaro Morata summer deal, says Florentino Perez

Reports had claimed that Morata's agent, Juanma Lopez, has held talks at the Bernabeu in a bid to secure a move to Old Trafford

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 28 June 2017 16:25 BST
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United have set their sights on the Spanish forward
United have set their sights on the Spanish forward (Getty)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed that the Spanish champions are not holding talks with Manchester United over a summer transfer deal for Alvaro Morata.

United have been heavily linked to the forward as Jose Mourinho looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season, and reports in Spain have claimed that Morata’s agent, Juanma Lopez, has held talks at the Bernabeu in a bid to secure a deal.

Lopez also revealed last month that Real had rejected an offer from AC Milan for Morata, who has been valued at £70.1m.

"I believe we are not negotiating with Manchester United, which does not mean that there are not people around him who are talking, which is normal," Perez told El Primer Palo radio.

"I have read that we have reached an agreement for I don't know how many million Euros, but it is not true."

Former Real coach Vicente del Bosque has warned his old club against selling Morata, arguing it would be a “pity” if the 24-year-old was allowed to leave Spanish football.

"The most important thing for Morata is to play, but I believe he is very good at Real Madrid," Del Bosque told AS.

"It is a pity if he leaves, but it has always enriched our football for players to go abroad and be able to play. It will be no problem for the Spain team, although Spanish football would lose a great player."

As well as Morata, United remain keen on midfielder Ivan Perisic but insist that Inter must drop their demands of a £50m fee.

The Croatian international is a key part of Jose Mourinho's summer recruitment plan, with the Portuguese coach desperate to sign a hard-working, defensively-conscious wide midfielder who can also chip in with goals.

United are also pursuing Perisic (Getty)

Inter want £50m for Perisic, an asking price that United absolutely will not meet. The Italian giants believe they have some leverage as Mourinho wishes to conclude his major business by July, but the Serie A club are also looking to raise funds as they bid to meet Financial Fair Play requirements by the end of this month.

Personal terms will not be a problem, with Perisic desperate to make the move to Old Trafford, and the player is known to be sitting firm, waiting for the two clubs to hammer out a deal that will bring him to the Premier League.

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