Real Madrid reject Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Real Madrid have opted against a short-term deal for former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The big Swede is currently nursing a knee problem which will keep him out of first-team football until 2018.

Ibrahimovic, 35, had told his agent Mino Raiola to enquire about the possibility of joining Real Madrid, where he hoped to achieve more success in the final stages of his career.

Spanish outlet Don Balon suggests that Los Blancos have decided to ignore Ibrahimovic as they are more concerned over their ongoing transfer activity.

The European champions are hoping to pursue a world-record deal for Monaco's Kylian Mbappe, while they could also permit the sale of Alvaro Morata to Old Trafford this summer.

Ibrahimovic has received a contract offer from Spanish club Valencia, but he is said to be holding out for a move to an elite European club.

The former Sweden international is training at the Carrington base despite his release, and his chances look slim of making a United comeback.