Morata to train with Manchester United

Manchester United might have ended their pursuit of Alvaro Morata but will get the opportunity of sharing the same pitch with the striker in preseason as Real Madrid and the Red Devils will share the same facilities in the United States.

The Europa League winners were frustrated in their bid to sign the Spanish international as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who did not get the option of renewing his deal following a horrific knee injury.

Morata is desperately in search of first-team football ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and had set his mind on a switch to Old Trafford this summer but Madrid pegged his price too high which forced United to sign Everton forward Romelu Lukaku for £75m instead.

Interestingly, he has taken the situation to heart and was subsequently included in the Madrid squad to travel to Los Angeles this week – same place Jose Mourinho’s men will be kicking-off their preseason tour.

And to make it more awkward for Morata both Madrid and United booked to train at the UCLA facilities  and will meet in the International Champions Cup on July 23 before facing off in the European Super Cup next month.

Morata rejected the chance to join Premier League rivals Chelsea leaving the door open for a likely move to Manchester United before the end of the current transfer window.