Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be kept at Manchester United against his will, but a potential move to LA Galaxy has got “nowhere” as yet.
The Red Devils re-signed the experienced striker after helping him to recover from knee surgery – with a 28-goal haul in 2016-17 having highlighted his worth.
At 36 years of age, however, the enigmatic Swede has struggled to find peak fitness at Old Trafford and seen his game time severely restricted as a result.
With Jose Mourinho having other options at his disposal, including January signing Alexis Sanchez, a possible switch to MLS has been mentioned for Ibrahimovic.
Mourinho has admitted that he will not stand in the way of a United exit, but Galaxy president Chris Klein has suggested that his side have nothing in the pipeline, telling MLS Soccer: “We're nowhere.
“We wouldn't comment on it.”
Pressed further on whether any talks have been held, Klein added: “We wouldn't [confirm that]. It's unfair, because he's contracted to another club.”
While those in the Los Angeles boardroom are reluctant to be drawn into a debate regarding Ibrahimovic’s future, those on the playing side are happy to talk up a possible high-profile arrival.
Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said on the rumours: “If it happens, it happens, and once it happens, then we'll give thought to it.
“Right now, it's preparing the group that I have and preparing the group that I have to win games.
“He's a big player. Big players have an impact on your team, whether that's Zlatan or whether that's [Lionel] Messi or a Neymar – guys like that have an impact on your team."
Mexican forward Giovani dos Santos has added: “I don't know if it's going to happen.
“I respect him. I think he's one of the best players in history, you know, the greatest striker.
"A player like him, I think, is welcome in every team.”