Manchester United consider shock move for former Tottenham striker

Manchester United are weighing up a shock move to sign former Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente before Thursday’s transfer deadline for English clubs, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are expected to sell Lukaku this summer after the Belgium international failed to report to training on Tuesday in a bid to force through a move away.

Lukaku was given permission to train with Anderlecht on his day off at the start of the week but was expected back in training with the rest of his team-mates on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move to both Inter and Juventus, instead remained in Belgium and will now be fined by the Red Devils.

Inter are still short of United’s £80m asking price but it seems unlikely Lukaku will still be at Old Trafford next season after going AWOL.

United have already been linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic to replace Lukaku but now Llorente has emerged as a shock target.

The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after being released by Tottenham at the end of last season, though the Spaniard has been heavily linked to a number of clubs across Europe this summer.

Llorente was a bit-part player during his two years at Tottenham, though did weigh in with some important contributions during the back end of last season with Harry Kane out injured.

The veteran striker scored three goals and registered five assists in 29 league and European appearances for Tottenham in 2018/19.