Roma to hijack Ibrahimovic's transfer to Manchester United - Reports

Ibrahimovic has appeared for almost all major Italian clubs except Roma

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been offered a two-year deal by Roma, if reports in the Italian press are to be believed. The Swedish forward, who recently exited UEFA Euro 2016, has been heavily linked with Manchester United after winding down his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, but is reportedly considering a move back to Italy.

Italian news outlet Sport Mediaset made the stunning claim that Ibrahimovic was considering the move to Roma, as the Seria side have offered him a longer deal than Manchester United, which is a two-year offer, and have also offered him a €7 million annual salary as part of the package, with Roma’s sponsors set to aid the Giallorossi’s ambitious financial package. 

Ibrahimovic recently announced his retirement from international football, playing his last match for Sweden against Belgium in a 1-0 loss to the Red Devils, which resulted in the Swedes exiting the competition – and sadly, also confirmed the veteran striker as one of the failures of the tournament.

However, Roma have no qualms about Ibrahimovic’s quality at club level, with the Serie A side looking to appease supporters with a big name signing after Miralem Pjanic left for Juventus, a fee that could aid in bringing Ibrahimovic to the club. Roma manager Luciano Spalletti is reportedly keen on signing a striker, with Edin Dzeko being relegated to the bench for much of his reign.

While most pundits would consider this transfer unlikely, Ibrahimovic’s recent comments that he considers Italy a ‘second home, but I won't return where I already made history’, are a clue to his destination, since he has already played for Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus – leaving Roma, and perhaps Napoli, as the only major club he has yet to play for in Italy.

Manchester United transfer still a likelihood

While Roma have apparently made thier offer, Manchester United still remain in pole position to sign Ibrahimovic, with the Swede keen on reuniting with former manager Jose Mourinho. In addition, Zlatan’s agent, Mino Raiola’s recent comments that the Swedish striker wants to ‘take revenge on Pep Guardiola’, point to a move to Old Trafford, since Guardiola is set to take the reigns at rivals Manchester City.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic yet to make a decision, what is certain that the announcement will not be made before June 30^th, as that would net him sizable loyalty bonuses from PSG.