Manchester United striker target joined Premier League rival after they plundered Everton for 25-goal man

Manchester United targeted a move for Alvaro Morata before completing the signing of Romelu Lukaku in 2017.

The Red Devils bolstered their forward line with the arrival of the Belgian striker from Everton.

Lukaku was fresh from a 25-goal Premier League season with the Toffees, with only Harry Kane scoring more.

However, United had initially been keen on a move for Morata, even launching an offer for the Spaniard.

Instead, he would seal a move to Chelsea from Real Madrid during the same window.

A few months into his time at Stamford Bridge, Morata lifted the lid on United’s interest.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in September 2017, he revealed: “I had various offers this summer, not only Chelsea and Manchester United but also from different leagues. It was a good situation for me.

“The most important and best conversation I had was with Conte, he wanted me to come here.

“At the start of the summer, I didn’t know that Chelsea were interested in me.

“I thought they were in for a different player, maybe Lukaku or maybe someone else, I don’t know. I didn’t think the option of Chelsea was open.

“But I spoke with Conte several times – and not only this summer. I felt in debt to him. He signed me for Juventus but left very quickly to manage Italy.

“I always wanted to play for him after that. It was only two months with him but it felt like I’d known him forever.

“When I knew he wanted me this summer, I didn’t think twice. I did everything I could to make the move happen.”

Ultimately, Jose Mourinho and United turned their attention to Lukaku.

The Red Devils boss had been concerned by Real Madrid’s apparent reluctance to sell the Spain international.

Mourinho believed the La Liga giants were dragging out negotiations ahead of offering Morata a new deal.

Lukaku went on to score 42 goals in 96 appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

However, he was sold to Inter Milan just two years later after Mourinho had been replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

As for Morata, his Chelsea career resulted in 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues.

After initially completing a loan move to Atletico Madrid in January 2019, his exit was made permanent 18 months later.

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