Man United To Line Up Lewandowski Move If Ibrahimovic Leaves
By Vishal Singh | April 6, 2017 | 0
Reuters / Andrew Yates
Jose Mourinho has already put plans in place if Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaves Manchester United this summer.
Ibrahimovic's future at Old Trafford still remains uncertain as the striker hasn't yet signed an extension with his contract running out in the summer.
The big Swede has become a fan favourite at United in his debut season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions – 17 more than their next top scorer Juan Mata. It's really hard to imagine that the Red Devils would be anywhere near fighting for a top four finish without Ibrahimovic's contribution.
Zlatan has already stated that he had not yet made a decision on his Manchester United future, but made it clear that the club will need to perform better to convince him to stay.
Ibrahimovic scored an injury-time penalty, his 16th league goal of the season, to earn a 1-1 home draw against Everton on Tuesday, but the result did little to help United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
But Mourinho is keen to challenge on all fronts next term, meaning he will once again be in the market to invest big in the summer.
Antoine Griezmann has long been linked with a move to the Manchester giants, but the France international has knocked back those rumours time and time again. And with Ibrahimovic's future at Old Trafford unclear, Mourinho needs to ensure his side has a top European striker to call upon next year.
Spanish newspaper Don Balon have recently claimed that the Portuguese boss has made Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski as his top priority target.
The report states that a move for the Polish striker would only see the daylight should Ibrahimovic decides to leave at the end of the season.
REUTERS/Michael Dalder
But Mourinho will need to secure a Champions League spot to lure a world-class attacker like Lewandowski. The 28-year-old has so far averaged roughly one goal a game in the Bundesliga this campaign, scoring 24 times.
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