Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to turn down lucrative offers from the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the hope of securing a new deal with Manchester United as he targets an earlier than expected return from injury.

The former Sweden international suffered a severe knee injury in the latter stages of last season and was ruled out of action at least until the start of 2018. Ibrahimovic has hinted that he could return sooner than expected and is said to have scheduled a visit to surgeon Freddie Fu in the United States later this month.

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The 35-year-old is currently a free agent after he was released by United following the expiry of his contract on 30 June. The striker, however, continues to train at Carrington and is hoping to step up his rehabilitation following his visit to the doctor.

According to the Sun, Ibrahimovic is hoping to return to action before Christmas and is ready to sign a new deal with United. MLS side LA Galaxy were said to be in talks with the striker, but the report claims that he is ready to turn down a £6m-a-year offer from the American outfit in order to remain with the Premier League giants.

Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that the club could be open to re-signing the Swedish forward, who played a vital role in helping United win the Community Shield, the English Football League Cup and the Europa League title. Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals across all competitions including a brace in their EFL Cup final win over Southampton.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a severe knee injury in the latter stages of last season Getty

The former Inter Milan and Barcelona forward was one of the highest earners in the club after signing on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Ibrahimovic is said to have earned £19.11m ($25.02m) during the course of the campaign which included £367,640 per week ($481,314 per week) in basic wages and was also entitled to a goal bonus worth £2.86m ($3.74m). It is unlikely that the striker, if re-signed by United will get a similar deal owing to him returning from a long-term injury.

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