Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alvaro Morata and Joe Hart
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has reportedly advised friends he will move to Manchester United this summer.
According to Richard Tanner of the Daily Express, the striker will hold talks with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez in a bid to speed up the deal. Real are said to be ready to lower their £70 million valuation of Morata and agree a fee nearer the £60 million mark.
"Morata has told friends his mind is made up to join Manchester United and that the deal 'has been done' with Real Madrid," Tanner wrote.
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With Zlatan Ibrahimovic released by United, manager Jose Mourinho needs to strengthen his forward line this summer. And it appears Morata is the man the Red Devils have identified to spearhead the attack.
His would be an exciting signing for the Red Devils. As noted by Squawka Football, Morata was consistently on the scoresheet for Los Blancos last season:
However, with Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at the club, he regularly found himself on the bench for big games.
The prospect of moving to a club like United and starting regularly would surely appeal to the Spain international. Stylistically, Morata feels like the right type of fit for the Red Devils, too. The 24-year-old is dynamic, mobile and physical in the way he plays.
As noted by James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, the striker has some big shoes to fill after Ibrahimovic's exit:
You can see why Mourinho would love to add Morata, though. Having a player who is hungry to shut opponents down and run into the channels will give the Red Devils an edge in the final third that they lacked last term.
Some eyebrows will be raised at the price should this one go through, although you can see Morata kicking on under the guidance of the Portuguese.
Shock Joe Hart Links
According to Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola would have no issue allowing goalkeeper Joe Hart to join Manchester United this summer.
As noted by Fissler, after signing Ederson from Benfica, Hart is set to leave the Etihad Stadium in the transfer window, having spent last season on loan at Torino. Everton and West Ham United are said to have had an interest in the player, while the Red Devils have also been linked as surprise suitors.
"United will be in the market for a new goalkeeper when Real Madrid eventually make a bid for the £60 million-rated David De Gea who has sold his Cheshire mansion ahead of a move," Fissler added. "Hart has emerged as their first choice to replace the Spanish star who knows he cannot afford to be playing reserve team football if he wants to retain his England place."
Red Devils supporters would be disappointed to see De Gea go, and Hart would be an underwhelming replacement for him. As noted by WhoScored.com, the latter was unconvincing during his time in Serie A:
Hart, 30, is still a dependable goalkeeper, and for the majority of Premier League sides, he would be an upgrade between the sticks. Factor in his experience and winning mentality, it would be no surprise to see a string of teams in for the England man.
But teams at the top end of the Premier League will be looking for more quality in goal, and if De Gea were to leave Old Trafford, the Red Devils would surely pursue grander targets than Hart.
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