Manchester United transfer news: Alvaro Morata 'unwilling to join' if Zlatan Ibrahimovic also signs

Mourinho has assured the United hierarchy that Rashford will be handed an opportunity to shine

Alvaro Morata is a transfer target for United but could return to Real Madrid if he leaves Juventus (Getty)

Juventus striker Álvaro Morata will reportedly only agree to join Manchester United if they pull out of a deal to sign Zlatan Ibrahimović as José Mourinho continues his Old Trafford rebuild.

The Portuguese is believed to be closing in on securing Ibrahimović on a one-year deal while The Independent also understands United are in pole position to sign Paul Pogba after Manchester City pulled out of the race for the Frenchman.

Erik Hamren, the Sweden head coach, said this week it would “not be okay” for the 34-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain striker to travel to Manchester to complete a medical while his side participate in the European Championship this summer.

United may therefore be forced to choose between Ibrahimović and Morata, however, after a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested the latter would only be prepared to join if he is given reassurances that he will be the first-choice forward in the north west.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from across the continent since leaving the Bernabéu in 2014 but the likely outcome involves Real Madrid utilising a buy-back clause in his contract, believed to be in the region of £25m, before selling him on for further profit.

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.