As reported by ESPN, Manchester United are making progress in their efforts to sign Alvaro Morata this summer.

What's the story?

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic saying goodbye to the Red Devils, Jose Mourinho needs an elite replacement to bang in the goals next season and it seems he's settle on one target in particular.

ESPN reckon the Portuguese has made Real Madrid striker Morata his top priority and that the club have made progress in securing the deal.

The report even says that United are hopeful the deal can be done before they leave for their pre-season tour of the USA.

Rated at £34m by Transfermarkt, he's unlikely to be cheap but he's still very much a player that can be massive for Mourinho.

The man for United?

Morata’s first team chances at Real Madrid were limited last season. He made 40 appearances for the Spanish giants last term, but 22 of those came from the substitute’s bench.

What’s impressive is his goal record despite that lack of action. He still managed to score 20 goals for his club and another 7 for his country since last year’s Euro 2016 tournament.

That’s goalscoring prowess that would undoubtedly have a big impact at Old Trafford. Perhaps even the difference between being able to compete on two main fronts in the Premier League and Europe or faltering yet in again in their quest for a top four finish.