Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Top Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said Zlatan Ibrahimovic could yet sign a new contract with the Old Trafford club. Mourinho also indicated United are prepared to wait for Ibrahimovic to complete his recovery from knee surgery before deciding whether to offer him a new deal.

Things could change at the other end of Mourinho's squad, though, with Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel reportedly increasingly likely to move to United amid rumours Real Madrid will bid again for David De Gea.

For the moment at least, De Gea is still a United player, so Mourinho is likely to focus on continuing to upgrade his attack. Bringing back Ibrahimovic could eventually be part of his plans, per BBC Sport: "If the decision is to stay and wait until December—he can't be back until then—why not wait? We are speaking and changing ideas."

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Ibrahimovic was officially released by United back in June, per the Guardian, after his prolific debut season had been cut short by a serious knee injury. In the process, the Red Devils opted against activating the option for a second season in the deal Ibrahimovic signed last summer.

Mourinho appeared to explain the thinking behind the decision, per BBC Sport: "We wanted to let him make a decision—space and time to think and decide. He didn't want to hide behind an amazing injury. That would be easy."

The United chief also said the decision over whether to give Ibrahimovic a new deal will now reside primarily with others: "We opened the door for him to recover with our people and be one of us. It is (executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward) and Zlatan's agent who will deal with it."

Talk of Ibrahimovic making a United comeback has been building recently. A report from Warren Haughton of The Sun said Ibrahimovic is likely to sign a new deal once he completes his recovery from surgery by October.

Keeping Ibrahimovic has obvious merit after the Swedish striker bagged an impressive 28 goals in all competitions last season, per WhoScored.com. He would make a fine deputy for new signing Romelu Lukaku, assuming the 35-year-old would be content with a back-up role.

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If so, United would have two top target men capable of playing with their backs to goal, linking well with others and scoring goals in bunches. Ibrahimovic would also be a natural mentor for Lukaku given his pedigree as a consistent goalscorer at the highest level.

Improving up front is a necessity at United, but so is keeping De Gea between the sticks. Regular suitors Real Madrid remain determined to test the Reds' resolve, though. Los Blancos are expected to make another bid for Spain's first-choice stopper, according to ESPN FC's Rob Dawson.

Developments with De Gea could boost Schmeichel's chances of moving to Old Trafford, per James Nursey of the Daily Mirror: "Mirror Football understands the likelihood [of Schmeichel signing for United] is increasing with Madrid eyeing a move for United No.1 De Gea after Gianluigi Donnarumma agreed a new deal at AC Milan."

Nursey also revealed United want a "fee in excess of £60 million" to part ways with De Gea, while Leicester would "demand at least £30 million" before letting Schmeichel go.

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There is no doubt Schmeichel, the younger son of United legend Peter, would make an excellent replacement for De Gea. The 30-year-old Denmark international is one of the Premier League's best—a smart and efficient shot-stopper who is also commanding dealing with crosses.

Significantly, Nursey said Schmeichel is "pushing for a transfer" after the Foxes told him in April he wouldn't be allowed to leave. The connection to United is obvious, with dad Peter saying it would be a "fantastic dream" for his son to play for the Red Devils, per Nursey.

Despite Schmeichel's dream, United would still be best served keeping De Gea in the fold. Similarly, bringing Ibrahimovic back would make a lot of sense for a squad likely to lean on his experience and goals as the club returns to the UEFA Champions League in the new season.