"No chance" – Jose Mourinho rules out Spurs move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Posted Tuesday, November 26, 2019 by squawka.com

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out any possibility of the club signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker is set to be a free agent after confirming his departure from LA Galaxy earlier this month, following the end of their MLS campaign.

Ibrahimovic previously spent 18 months in the Premier League with Manchester United, linking up with Mourinho.

Could Ibrahimovic join Tottenham? Five things to know…

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking for a new club after announcing his departure from LA Galaxy.
2. The Swedish striker has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, but Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned in recent days.
3. Ibrahimovic has worked with new Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and Manchester United.
4. However, Mourinho insists there is "no chance" of Ibrahimovic signing for Tottenham.
5. He went on to hail Harry Kane as the best striker in England.

The pair also worked together for a season at Inter Milan, but their time was cut short by Ibrahimovic's move to Barcelona – seeing the Swede miss out on the chance to win the Champions League.

Ibrahimovic's availability and Mourinho's new job, combined with the history of compliments shared between the pair, has led the Swedish striker to be linked with a move to Tottenham in the January transfer window.

However, Mourinho has categorically ruled out a move for the 38-year-old, insisting Tottenham already have what they need in Harry Kane.

"He is an amazing player and an amazing guy," Mourinho told reporters ahead of his Champions League bow with Tottenham.

"But I would say no chance. We have the best striker in England and one of the top two or three strikers in the world.

"It does not make any sense for a striker of Zlatan's dimension. Obviously, he is in his late 30s but he is still a striker who can play in any club in the world.

"But it does not make sense to come to a club where we have Harry Kane."

Kane was on target for Tottenham at the weekend as Mourinho got off to a winning start, beating West Ham 3-2 at the London Stadium. It was their first away win in the league since January, but attentions now turn to the Champions League.

After gaining seven points from their opening four games, Tottenham can secure their spot in the last-16 if they beat Olympiacos on Tuesday – or even with a draw, providing Red Star Belgrade do not win against Bayern Munich.

AC Milan director plays down Ibrahimovic links

Prior to Mourinho taking charge of Tottenham, Ibrahimovic was being heavily linked with a return to Serie A club AC Milan.

The Swedish striker spent two seasons with Milan between 2010 and 2012, first on loan before making his move from Barcelona permanent. In that time, Ibrahimovic scored 56 goals in 85 games and helped Milan win the 2010/11 Serie A title

However, Milan director Frederic Massara played down the links of a return, insisting any decision will come depending on the report of manager Stefano Pioli.

"Ibrahimovic is a great champion who has written important pages in the Milan history books," he told Sky Italia.

"When his name is accosted to Milan, it becomes an irresistible suggestion, but it remains only an idea.

"When the transfer window opens, then we'll see with the coach what needs to be done."