Transfer Centre

Manchester United transfer news: Ex-Chelsea forward 'targeted' in £10.1m deal

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 June 2024

Man United 'discussing £10.1m transfer' for ex-Chelsea striker

Manchester United reportedly hold an interest in securing a deal for a former Chelsea forward during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United reportedly hold an interest in signing a former Chelsea forward during the summer transfer window.

Lacking competition for Rasmus Hojlund, it has been widely claimed that United's recruitment team are focused on trying to acquire a second face for the middle of the frontline.

While a number of names have been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee is allegedly one of the priority options.

United are said to be prepared to pay the Dutchman's £34m release clause, and there is interest from the player in departing Serie A for the Premier League.

Nevertheless, it is being claimed that club officials are also holding discussions with a player who has previously represented rivals Chelsea.

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring their first goal on June 15, 2024 © Reuters

Man United interested in Morata

According to Turkish outfit Sabah, United are one of several teams who are holding talks with the representatives of Alvaro Morata.

The report claims that the Spain international is available this summer for a fee of €12m (£10.14m), an alleged release clause.

Morata has just enjoyed one of the strongest campaigns of his career with Atletico Madrid, contributing 21 goals from 46 appearances in all competitions.

Still with two years left on his contract, the perception is that Morata remains happy in the Spanish capital, yet it appears that he will have options available to him.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham looks dejected after Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata scores on September 24, 2023 © Reuters

What other clubs are keen?

Juventus - another of the 31-year-old's former clubs - Roma, Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce are also credited as admirers.

With regards to his previous stint in Serie A, Morata contributed 35 goals and 29 assists from 130 outings in Italy's top flight.

His time in the Premier League was a lot less fruitful, with returns of 11 and six strikes being posted between 2017 and 2019.

That said, Morata did manage a total of 24 goals from 72 outings in all competitions, a respectable return when considering that 27 of his appearances came from the substitutes' bench.