Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Zlatan Ibrahimovic Exit Rumours

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly stalling on extending his contract with the club as he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

According to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror, Ibrahimovic is "reluctant to go a second season without playing in the world's most prestigious club competition." Anderson added that the 2017-18 term is likely to be the striker's last in European football before he makes the switch to Major League Soccer.

"Champions League football is hugely important to him, and he does not want to miss out on it in what is likely to be his final campaign," Anderson's report continued.

The Red Devils are in sixth place in the Premier League. They can qualify for the Champions League by finishing fourth, which they trail by two points, or winning the UEFA Europa League, in which United are in the final 16.

Although the Champions League has plenty of benefits, keeping Ibrahimovic sated and at the club will be top of the agenda for a lot of United fans. These numbers from Squawka Football show just how crucial he's been:

Ibrahimovic signed for United on a free transfer in the summer after four memorable years with Paris Saint-Germain. 

Per Anderson, he agreed a one-year deal, although there is the opportunity to extend for a second term. His article suggested Ibrahimovic was happy to include the option "because he felt their absence from the Champions League would be temporary."

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If the Red Devils are to breach the top four or win the Europa League, you sense Ibrahimovic will have a lot to do with it. The 35-year-old has led the line with distinction since his arrival, dominating defenders, bringing team-mates into play and chipping in with plenty of crucial goals.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dunn suggested that despite his relatively short time at the football club, Ibrahimovic is already the main man:

United manager Jose Mourinho has made his intent clear to keep Ibrahimovic at the football club, stating in December that the extension |is activated in his brain and it is activated also in my decisions and in the owners' and the board's," per Paul Vinnell of Sky Sports.

However, as noted by Anderson, Ibrahimovic was more coy when quizzed recently over his future and insisted we'll have to "wait and see" what happens.

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Despite his advancing years, it's easy to see why the Red Devils want to keep Ibrahimovic around. Per Daniel Storey of Football365, he's been very durable throughout his career:

Indeed, the evergreen Ibrahimovic looks like he's capable of continuing at the highest level for many years yet. The Premier League is notorious for its physicality and frantic tempo, but the former Sweden international has made the division look easy. With his charisma and goals, he's adored at Old Trafford.

His desire to showcase his talent at the highest level is understandable, though. For all the major league titles Ibrahimovic has won, he's yet to lift the Champions League in his distinguished career. United will be hoping they can give him the chance to win the prize next term.