Man Utd transfer news: Alvaro Morata drops crystal clear hint on chances of moving to Old Trafford

Alvaro Morata has broken his silence on the speculation linking him with an Atletico Madrid exit, and it doesn’t make great reading for Man Utd fans.

The 29-year-old Spaniard is back at Atletico Madrid following a two-year loan to Juventus. However, given Diego Simeone can already call upon Joao Felix, Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Matheus Cunha, he may have no place back at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Indeed, ESPN reported Morata had been offered to Manchester United last Tuesday.

The Athletic then claimed the Red Devils had opened discussions over the potential move. What’s more, they termed the potential switch a ‘genuine possibility’.

However, Morata has broken his silence on the speculation and insisted he has his heart set on coming good at Atletico.

“I really want to play here, work and play in many competitions,” said Morata (via Sky Sports).

“I’m excited to be here, as always, I can only work and run for the team in every game.”

On the links to moves away specifically, he continued: “Speculation over my future? It’s what comes out in the press, I just wanted to work and work.

“Atletico are one of the best clubs in the world. If there’s a market I can’t do anything, just work. I’m happy here and I want to continue working.”

Who will Man Utd turn to instead of Morata?

All the signs are beginning to point towards Cristiano Ronaldo leaving before the September 1 deadline.

Ronaldo wants to chase his Champions League ambition, though United’s stance had been he was not for sale.

The Red Devils are beginning to relent on that front, with the Times among a host of outlets to report Erik ten Hag now wants rid of Ronaldo.

That will leave just the injured Anthony Martial and the off-form Marcus Rashford as options up top. A Marko Arnautovic bid was lodged, though the plug was later pulled on that move for two reasons.

All eyes will be on who United turn to next, and a report from the Spanish press hint at an Atletico forward other than Morata.

Joao Felix interest registered

Spanish newspaper Marca report United representatives declared their interest in Joao Felix when meeting with their Atletico counterparts last week.

The Portuguese attacker played predominantly in central areas last term, either up top alone or in behind the striker.

He cost Atletico a whopping £113m when signed from Benfica in 2019. His initial years in Spain suggested that was a huge overpayment, though he did show signs of finally justifying that lofty price tag last term.

A Felix sale looks ambitious at this stage given the sums that would be involved. What’s more, a sale would require Atletico to completely restructure their transfer plans with only two weeks left in the window.

Other targets listed by varying outlets include fellow Atletico forward Matheus Cunha, PSG’s Maurco Icardi and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.

PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is another option, though usually plays on the left wing.