Alvaro Morata latest: Real Madrid striker ‘left hoping’ Chelsea reignite interest as Manchester United close in on Romelu Lukaku
Manchester United are closing in on the £75m signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton - so what does this mean for Alvaro Morata?
The Spain international was one of the Red Devils’ top summer targets and, after missing out on Antoine Griezmann, an Old Trafford move appeared to be on the cards. So much so, Morata himself was reportedly convinced as late as Wednesday evening that he would become a United player.
But Jose Mourinho’s side seemingly had a change of heart.
The Portuguese boss was said to be concerned Real Madrid were using their interest in order to extend the 24-year-old’s contract at the Bernabeu, leaving United embarassed.
Mourinho, who gave Morata his Real Madrid debut in 2010, turned his attentions to a forward proven in the Premier League, in Romelu Lukaku, leaving Morata bewildered and uncertain of his employers next term.
He was so sure of linking up with Mourinho at United that he snubbed an offer from AC Milan, who have been ambitious in the transfer market so far this summer.
With pre-season starting, Morata will be keen to sort out his future sooner rather than later.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the former Juventus striker and, after they appear to have missed out on Lukaku, Morata is on a shortlist to replace the seemingly outgoing Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge. Andrea Belotti of Torino also features, but his £87million release clause could put off the Blues, as does Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez while a cheaper option could be Fernando Llorente of Swansea.
Even a Chelsea move would depend on manager Antonio Conte, whose future has been plunged into huge doubt after being left ‘livid’ with the Premier League champions for missing out on Lukaku.
Chelsea’s contact with Morata had recently gone quiet due to their interest in the Belgian forward, although Conte is believed to still rate him highly.
But now he is out of the question, The Independent claims Morata is ‘still hoping’ Chelsea turn to him. Morata missed out on the chance to play under Conte at Juventus, joining the Old Lady shortly after the manager took charge of Italy’s national team. But he played in a team with foundations set up by Conte and is said to be keen to work with him.
Morata’s Madrid exit could also be helped by the LaLiga and Champions League winners’ desire to win the race for teenage star Kylian Mbappe from Monaco - READ MORE HERE.
They are keen to bring the 18-year-old to Spain, but may have to fork out a world-record £114.5m to do so and Morata could be the man to make way for around 70m Euros.
Morata netted 20 goals and assisted six in 2016/17, his first season back at the club, despite being in and out of the team.
A Manchester United move looks dead in the water and he will have to hope Chelsea come calling.