Soccer

In-form striker Morata linked with Old Trafford move

Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata remains the subject of transfer speculation just over two weeks before the window closes.

PEPE ANDRESDiarioAS

Alvaro Morata’s agent has not ruled out a move for the in-form Atletico Madrid star but declared “at the moment I say that he stays”.

The Spain international scored twice as Atleti started the LaLiga season with a 3-0 win at Getafe on the back of a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly rout of his former club Juventus.

Morata has been linked with Manchester United and a return to Juve, where he was on loan for the past two campaigns.

The 29-year-old’s representative, Juanma Lopez, says the ex-Real Madrid forward will remain with Diego Simeone’s side as it stands, but suggested he could depart before the transfer window closes on September 1.

He told Spanish television: “At the moment I say that he stays at Atletico Madrid, we are in August. Will he stay? Yes, he has a contract with Atletico.”

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Getafe v Atletico Madrid - Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Getafe, Spain - August 15, 2022 Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata REUTERS/Isabel InfantesISABEL INFANTESREUTERS

Simeone non-committal on Morata

Simeone was unable to give any assurances over Morata’s future following the victory over Getafe.

“I am not the owner of the club, I am the coach,” the Atleti boss said. “He is doing very well, working in an extraordinary way, and we hope that Morata will continue with us.

“I think that all footballers have to have confidence to do important things. He came with humility, desire to work, without demanding anything, striving to get to this shape and that is what we want to see.”

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