Manchester United: Henrikh Mkhitaryan move close as Borussia Dortmund accept improved offer

Manchester United could complete the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan as early as next week after increasing their offer for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

Mkhitaryan, 27, emerged as a target for Jose Mourinho's United in June with the player eager to complete a "dream" move to Old Trafford. Dortmund however were initially adamant the player would not be sold, having already lost Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels to Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively this summer.

Mino Raiola, the Armenia international's agent, has persistently pushed for move, and with the player's current contract set to expire next summer, Dortmund have come around to the idea of cashing in.

After rejecting United's initial offer, thought to have been £19m, the Bundesliga club have now confirmed a "much improved offer" from United which a final decision on the player's future to be made this weekend (2 and 3 June).

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told German newspaper Der Westen: "Manchester have made a much improved offer. In situations like this, there are always a lot of different things to consider and in the end at one point we have to make a decision.

"And as we were back in training on Monday, we will decide at the weekend. I have contacted the relative people and we will weigh things up at the weekend. And then the board will make the decision, definitely at the weekend."

According to Sport Bild, United's improved offer is £33m.

The club are also expected to finalise a deal to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another player represented by Raiola. The Guardian suggest the former Sweden international has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side having accepted a one-year contract worth £220,000-a-week. The report adds the 34-year-old is expected to fly into Manchester next week to complete his move.

United have also held talks with Raiola over a possible move for Paul Pogba, another player represented by the Italian super-agent. If the club are to resign the player who left them for Juventus four years ago, they will likely need to pay a new world record transfer fee for the France international.