Manchester United Transfer News: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Latest, Red Devils Rumours
Former Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has stated the Major League Soccer giants have held talks with Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a potential summer move.
The 35-year-old striker signed a one-year deal at Old Trafford ahead of this season with the option to take up a second. According to Lalas, the Galaxy are seeking to capitalise on the situation and have already had some discussions with the iconic striker.
"There have been conversations and, I think, a relationship for some time regarding this possible move," he told BBC Radio 5 live (h/t Simon Peach of the Daily Mirror). "The Galaxy are Major League Soccer's super club. They do big, bold things."
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Lalas went on to add that the club has always been synonymous with making "sexy signings" and that he feels they "have a chance" of getting the deal done.
Even for a club that has signed the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole in the past, this would be some coup. Per Squawka Football, the Swede remains at the peak of his powers:
Ibrahimovic would reportedly be well compensated if he were to make the move. According to Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, the Galaxy are ready to make the striker the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Bascombe noted that United are keen to keep their new talisman around, although manager Jose Mourinho recently told the press he will "never beg for a player to sign a contract."
It'd be a shame if Ibrahimovic were to leave the Premier League after just a solitary campaign, as it's clear he still has so much to offer. However, as Bleacher Report UK noted, a move to Los Angeles might have its benefits for the effervescent striker:
Ibrahimovic has moved clubs frequently throughout his career, and with that in mind, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he were keen to embark on another exciting chapter in another country. United will hope to finish the season strongly, qualify for the UEFA Champions League and tempt the striker to stay for perhaps one final shot at winning Europe's elite club competition.
Keita Balde Diao Rumours
According to Edo Dalmonte of Calciomercato.com, relaying rumours from the site's Italian arm, Lazio are considering selling reported Manchester United target Keita Balde Diao.
It's stated that the winger has upset officials at the club after he turned up for training late on Thursday, having spent the previous night celebrating his birthday at Pacha nightclub in Barcelona. It's noted that numerous issues with the player mean Lazio are no longer considering disciplinary measures and would rather cash in.
Dalmonte said that Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with the talented winger. Here's a look at what he can offer:
The 22-year-old has bags of talent, netting seven goals and grabbing two assists in Serie A in 2016-17. However, he's struggled to find consistency in his play.
While capable of slaloming through challenges, holding off defenders and linking up with team-mates, there are times when Keita's influence is minimal. Throughout his career, there have regularly been questions about his work rate and decision-making too.
If Mourinho were able to harness the ability of the Senegal international in a positive way, he would have some player on his hands at Old Trafford. However, given his reported disciplinary issues and longstanding inconsistencies, it'd be a surprise if United were actively pursuing Keita.
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