Man Utd News: Jose Mourinho was negotiating for Alvaro Morata AND Romelu Lukaku

Manchester United focused on signing a striker this summer after it emerged that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be out through injury until January.

Initially, their top target was Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann - though the La Liga giants’ transfer ban ultimately scuppered that deal.

United landed Lukaku from Merseyside giants Everton after months of speculation that Morata was about to become their new No9 and Ibrahimovic's direct replacement. 

But the Manchester Evening News say the Red Devils were actually negotiating for BOTH players at the same time.

Lukaku, clearly, was wanted more. Manchester United paid £75million to Everton to beat Chelsea to his signature.

It is said the Belgium international was Jose Mourinho’s first choice target from the start of the summer, after the Griezmann deal fell flat. 

Chelsea thought they would secure a reunion with the striker but he ultimately decided a move to Old Trafford was too good to turn down. 

Real Madrid, however, proved far more trickier negotiators than Everton. 

They priced the Spain international out of a move in what many feel was revenge for United’s reluctance to let David De Gea go.

MEN refuse to specify what would have happened had United had an offer for Morata accepted as well as Lukaku.

But, with seven Premier League goals between them so far, Mourinho would have had quite an attack at his disposal.

Both players will be in action tomorrow afternoon.

Morata is expected to lead the line when Chelsea face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (1.30pm).

Lukaku, meanwhile, should get the nod when United go up against his old club Everton (4pm).