Andrea Radrizzani reveals Leeds United interest in Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic to... Leeds United?
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Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that the club had tentative interest in striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the January transfer window.

The Italian, who was speaking in a live interview with Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, admitted that he had held talks with the Swedish forward before he opted to move to AC Milan instead.

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Ibrahimovic was a free agent at the start of the winter window having announced his departure on social media from MLS outfit LA Galaxy last November.

The 38-year-old, though, made the move to Serie A to link up with former side AC Milan for a second time on a six month deal until the end of the current campaign.

Radrizzani now says he was keen on his signature, but Ibrahimovic turned a move to Elland Road down in favour of the San Siro.

Sky Italy reported in December that the Whites had also shown shock interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Edison Cavani.

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The United owner, though, said any potential deal never got off the ground.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (Image: Getty)AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (Image: Getty)
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (Image: Getty)

"(Edison) Cavani?," Radrizzani said.

"The (PSG) president had given me the availability to verify the interest with the player's brother.

"However, the negotiation never flew.

"I spoke more concretely with Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). He could give us a decisive push but he decided to go to (AC) Milan. It was very honest and transparent with me."

Radrizzani added: "We must be rational and consistent with the coach and team strategy.

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"I did not even discuss the ideas of Cavani and Ibrahimovic with (Marcelo) Bielsa because we had not reached that point to discuss them together.

"Bielsa works with a team of 12 scouts, they have 'their' players every market and we discuss them.

"Each player caught is a mix between those on their list and the opportunities on the market. We always know the type of player Bielsa wants in every role and Victor Orta is in constant contact with him."

Asked if he would make another move for Ibrahimovic when the transfer window reopens, he said: "It depends."

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