Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'astounds' medics and could stay at Man United

Swedish superstar was released after knee injury but his amazing recovery could lead to another season at Old Trafford

Ibrahimovic
(Image credit: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty images)

There's an old-fashioned "bombshell" in The Sun, which claims that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set to sign on for another stint with Manchester United.

The stringy Swedish sharpshooter was released by the club last month when his one-year deal expired and United declined to trigger the option of a second season after the serious knee that Ibrahimovic suffered in March.

The initial prognosis had the veteran frontman sidelined until the new year but the Sun says that such are his powers of recovery he is "on course for a return to action in October".

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United medical staff are "astounded" with his progress and as a result Jose Mourinho wants him to sign on for another season. Ibrahimovic decided to undergo his rehab at United's Carrington training complex despite his release, and that's enabled the Swede to impress the club in the face of persistent rumours linking him with a move to the US or China. And, according to the Sun, Ibrahimovic's "first choice will be to continue his career in the North West" mainly because of his close working relationship with Mourinho.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reports that contrary to the wild speculation that erupted earlier in the week, United have not made a bid for Chelsea target Tiemoue Bakayoko and have "no interest in signing him".

One or two of the more scurrilous organs had claimed Mourinho was going to hijack the Blues for a second time and bring the Monaco ace to Old Trafford, but Sky Sports claims that's not the case. In fact Bakayoko is expected to have a Chelsea medical this week and sign a long-term deal once he's been given a clean bill of health.

Finally, the Daily Star says that United have opened talks with Ander Herrera "about a new and improved deal". Herrera's form last season brought him to the attention of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid but the Star says that United are determined to hang on to the Spanish ace and will look to tie him down to a new long-term contract. It's believed the new deal will come in at around £175,000-a-week and will keep Herrera at Old Trafford until 2021.

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