Manchester United have reportedly offered ex-Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente a contract of two years. The 34-year-old is currently a free agent following his departure from Spurs earlier this summer.
United are still looking to make their attacking options more robust after Romelu Lukaku's exit, and likely Alexis Sanchez as well. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that there have been conversations with Llorente and the English club already and that the striker has received a two-year deal.
Also in the running to sign the Spaniard are Lazio and Napoli. Llorente scored 8 goals for Spurs last season and was a major player in helping the club make it to the Champions League final.
In the summer transfer Window, Man Utd have been linked with moves from Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but not one deal materialized. The club reportedly worries that if Marcus Rashford gets injured this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have no choice by to rely on Mason Greenwood.
Having strength in depth up front is hugely important for any team with aspirations of challenging for silverware, so United need to come up with a solution. And it sure looks they have already found one in Llorente.
However, that report is wide of the mark, according to a report from the Mail , which claims United are not planning to make a move for the striker. Solskjaer has apparently been encouraged to get Llorente by former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol.
In an interview with ESPN FC as reported by The Sport Review , Nicol said: "I think this would not be the worst idea for Man United.
"Right now at center-forward it's a numbers game. They only have one and that's Marcus Rashford," Nicol said. "He boasts plenty of experience in both the Premier League and Europa League, and could be snapped up for free if he continues to delay penning a contract elsewhere."
"They don't have another recognized center-forward. Of course Llorente does give you another option. "
Fiorentina and Athletic Club are reportedly interested with Llorente as well, but United will likely win the bid wars with the promise of a better career and higher pay. As for other free agents, there aren't a lot of big names for Man Utd to consider. Wilfried Bony has left Swansea City, and Daniel Sturridge exited Liverpool as well. However, it's unlikely that the Red Devils will make a move for either.
