Real Madrid have reportedly activated their buy-back option in Alvaro Morata’s contract with Juventus, and intend on selling the forward for a profit this summer.
The Spanish international is currently plying his trade in Serie A, but could temporarily return to Madrid this summer before being moved on.
According to The Guardian, Morata would favour a move to Old Trafford, particularly if Jose Mourinho replaces Louis van Gaal as manager at the club this summer.
It comes after the pair worked together in the Spanish capital for three years, with the 23-year-old publicly revealing his admiration for the Portuguese tactician after handing him his debut.
Having since developed into one of the most promising forwards in Europe as part of Juve’s successful title-winning side, Morata has been left slightly frustrated in Turin due to his limited role.
In turn, he will feel as though he is ready to play a pivotal role for a top side in Europe next season, and with Real unable to offer him those assurances, they could take advantage of their buy-back option to make a profit.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Morata gets his wish in terms of a reunion with Mourinho in Manchester, as much depends on whether or not the Premier League giants opt to sack Van Gaal at the end of the season.
It looks likely that the Red Devils will miss out on a Champions League qualification spot heading into the final weekend of the campaign, as they will have to rely on Manchester City dropping points while having to secure a win over Bournemouth themselves.
If they fail in that bid, they will hope to salvage something from the season by winning silverware in the form of the FA Cup, but it is debatable as to whether that will be enough to save Van Gaal who is seemingly holding the club back with Morata not the first to allegedly express an interest in working with Mourinho at United.