Man United Turn Towards Belotti After Facing Blow In Morata Pursuit
REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
After facing a blow in their pursuit of Alvaro Morata, Manchester United have now turned their attention towards Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to reports from Italy.
Jose Mourinho has been on the lookout for a striker to lead his attacking line ever since Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ruled out with a serious long-term injury. The Red Devils have since been linked with some of the best forwards on the planet, with a new name being dubbed as their latest target every alternate days.
One of the latest names rumoured to make a summer switch to the Theatre of Dreams has been Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who despite being in terrific form in front of goal, has failed to nail his spot in Los Blancos’ starting lineup under Zinedine Zidane.
Reuters / Darren Staples
United were touted to have a fair chance of securing the 24-year-old’s services, not only because they could guarantee Morata a starting spot, but also due to Jose Mourinho – the man who handed the Spanish international his Real Madrid debut.
In fact, as per Sky Sports, the Premier League giants even submitted a £52.4m offer for the Spaniard, which was immediately turned down by Real, who value their frontman at a staggering £78m.
Manchester United are unlikely to meet the reigning La Liga Champions’ high asking price, and have therefore, decided to end their pursuit and look elsewhere, which has led them to Torino’s Andrea Belotti, as per Sky sources in Italy.
Having bagged 28 goals last season, the 22-year-old is now on the Reds’ radar, but despite being an exciting prospect, the Italy international has a release clause worth £87m in his contract – meaning United will have to cough up £9m more for his signature as compared to Morata’s.
Will Man United go all out for Belotti, or will they pay slightly less and sign Morata instead? Only time will tell.
Written by Kunal Kambli 
An introverted grammar pedantic who worships football and loves writing about it. Part of the BlameFootball team since 2016.
