Alvaro Morata is doing his best to try and force through his move to Manchester United.
The Real Madrid forward has told friends and team-mates that he has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, and his personal terms will not be an issue for The Red Devils.
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The problem has been between the two clubs – who at times have been £20million apart – with United looking at paying £60million with Real wanting closer to £80million.
On the behest of Morata, his father and agent were dispatched to Madrid for talks with Real’s hierarchy to try and help with the talks – which have not stalled but have slowed down considerably in recent weeks.
At the meeting, it is understood that Morata’s representatives underlined his reluctance to sit on the bench at Real anymore and that his mind was made up over a move to United, and they are confident that Madrid chiefs will sanction his exit – subject to a fee being finalised.
Morata and United both wanted the deal done before July, now he is desperate to be with United by early next week – by which point the first-team squad will already be in America as they begin their pre-season schedule across the Atlantic.
Both sources in Spain and close to United have told me that they fully believe the deal will be done – but are refusing to put a time-frame on the outcome.
Bookmakers are convinced that Morata will seal a move to United – SkyBet are quoting 1/6 on Morata to be with United next season and as large as 5/1 for him to remain with Madrid.
We spoke to UnitedEnd editor Tom McDermott about the prospect of Morata coming in.
“Morata’s desire to push through a move to United before the USA tour next week will add to Mourinho’s belief that he’s the right man to lead his attack next season,” he told us.
“A good pre season before the Premier League begins will only help the striker, who is desperate to impress and score the goals in that make him an automatic starter for Spain at the World Cup next summer.”