Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho targets World Cup star Ante Rebic as alternative to Willian pursuit
Chelsea have told United they do not want to sell Brazilian winger to a domestic rival, leading United to chase Croatia World Cup star instead
Manchester United will turn their attention to Croatia World Cup star Ante Rebic after being told by Chelsea they will not sell Willian to a domestic rival, according to reports.
Rebic, 24, was one of the top performers in Russia as his country finished runners-up in their best ever tournament result, and has been pinpointed as a younger option ahead of compatriot Ivan Perisic.
Chelsea are desperate not to sell Brazil winger Willian to United, and are said to be tempted by a £65million offer from Barcelona instead.
Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, now in charge at Old Trafford, is growing frustrated at a lack of progress in his own chase for Willian and is now looking elsewhere, according to the Independent.
Eintracht Frankfurt winger Rebic started six of Croatia's seven games in their run to the World Cup final, scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Argentina in the group stages.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the running for Rebic.
They would have an obvious advantage over United should the player wish to remain in Germany.
He tormented opposition defences with fellow winger Ivan Perisic, who United have also been linked to.
But Perisic's age is a concern for the club, who are unwilling to fork out £48m to meet Inter Milan's asking price for the 29-year-old.
Instead they see the younger Rebic as a more viable investment as they look to add depth on the flanks.
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United look set to lose Anthony Martial this summer and with Alexis Sanchez nearing his 30th birthday, the club are looking long-term.
English duo Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have been used out wide in the past but both are said to prefer central roles.
Gareth Bale, also 29, is a recurring target whose age is not considered a concern due to his star quality, having scored the two goals which won Real Madrid the Champions League against Liverpool in May.
Bale appeared to be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer after falling out with boss Zinedine Zidane, but the Frenchman's shock resignation could change his mind.