AC Milan will challenge Manchester United for the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic once the player recovers from his knee injury, according to reports in Italy on Monday.
The Serie A big-spenders have earmarked Ibrahimovic as a potential January arrival given the likelihood that he will be sidelined until the new year, and Italian daily Tuttosport claim the Swede is considering a return.
The 35-year-old played for two seasons at the San Siro, making his loan spell in 2010 permanent the following year, and scored 51 goals in 77 appearances.
Ibrahimovic was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £15.7million in 2012, and having won silverware throughout his career, the Swede may be tempted to spearhead the new era at Milan under Chinese ownership.
Tuttosport report that Ibrahimovic’s partner, Helena Seger, has retained a strong affinity with Milan, meaning a return to the city in the twilight of his career cannot be ruled out.
Ibrahimovic has turned down the chance to play with LA Galaxy in America’s MLS, but the development comes after United manager Jose Mourinho hinted that the star could be set for a return to Old Trafford.
United did not extend Ibrahimovic’s deal, worth £367,640 a week, at the end of last season after he suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in April.
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