Jose Mourinho is confident that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided to stay at Manchester United.
The veteran Swede has enjoyed a brilliant first season at Old Trafford after arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain – leading them to the League Cup final and they are also on course for the Europa League final, which is due to be played in Stockholm.
Football INDEX Talk – At £5.90 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the top rated future on the index – could he still go up, of course he could.
United’s hopes of a top-four finish look distant, but victory in the Europa League would gain them entry to the Champions League.
Ibrahimovic, who has 28 goals to his name, has previously suggested that he would wait until the end of the season, despite United making no secret of their desire to keep him – amid interest from America and China.
But sources have now told me that following talks between Mourinho and Ibrahimovic – United believe the agreement is done and it only needs the 35-year-old to put pen-to-paper.
Whilst Ibrahimovic would ideally like a two-year deal, sources suggest it is almost certain to be a one-year contract – possibly with a clause that would see a second year kick-in if he delivers.
Mourinho loves working with Ibrahimovic and sees him as a close ally within the squad and has made it clear to him, just how important he is to his plans for next season.
Antonio Conte: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic is at the top of his form" pic.twitter.com/P1v12SrgS2
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) April 15, 2017
We spoke with Tom McDermott – editor of the United End – about his views on Ibrahimovic staying at Old Trafford.
“We still don’t know for sure if Zlatan is staying but if he does stay, as many expect, what happens to the development of players like Rashford and Martial?” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.
“Personally it’s been a great season for Zlatan and if United go on to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League he’ll have done his job; but there has been occasions where his lack of mobility has been a hindrance rather than a help.”
The odds are firmly suggesting that Ibrahimovic will remain at Old Trafford with SkyBet listing him at 1/5 to stay.