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United in for Lukaku, delaying Real Madrid’s sale of Alvaro Morata

By Alex McVey

GIJON, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Sporting de Gijon and Real Madrid at Estadio El Molinon on April 15, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
GIJON, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Sporting de Gijon and Real Madrid at Estadio El Molinon on April 15, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /
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Alvaro Morata to Manchester United looked like a sure thing, but Mourinho is now looking at signing Romelu Lukaku instead. Did Real Madrid push too hard?

Alvaro Morata seems to almost certainly be on his way out of Real Madrid, with Manchester United his most likely landing spot. United parted ways with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and are in need of another striker to fill in.

Morata, according to reports, even returned early from his honeymoon in order to ensure that the deal went smoothly. But things rarely ever go as planned when talking about transfers between Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Reports are now suggesting that Manchester United have agreed to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton. Sources close to United have told ESPN FC that the deal for the Belgian striker has been finalized, and that talks for Morata are now closed. However, as that article details, sources from Everton deny that such a deal was struck.

Chances are this is just a negotiating strategy by Manchester United. Press leaks generally have a strategic value of some sort. By leaking that they are interested in Lukaku and no longer want Morata, United may be trying to signal to Madrid that they risk blowing the deal by pushing for too high a transfer fee.

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Earlier reports suggested that Madrid were seeking a £78 million transfer fee for Morata’s signature. Perhaps, then, it is no coincidence that the reported transfer fee for Lukaku to Manchester United is just under that sum, coming in at £75 million, according to Goal.com.

Morata and Lukaku are very different players. The Spaniard has a much more deft first touch and is silkier on the ball, whereas Lukaku is a more physical, commanding attacker. It’s hard to imagine that a tactical stickler like Mourinho would have jumped ship on his plan-A over £3 million.

I truly believe that Morata will still be heading to Manchester United by the end of the transfer window. But if offloading the young Spanish striker is a priority, Real Madrid may want to avoid pushing too hard, or they may blow the deal entirely.

Next: Fabio Coentrao will join Sporting Lisbon on loan

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