Reports: Zlatan Ibrahimovic close to LA Galaxy move

Is it finally happening? After years of rumors, could the 36-year-old Swedish superstar be heading stateside to join the LA Galaxy?

After Taylor Twellman originally revealed the news ahead of the USA Bosnia-Herzegovina telecast, multiple sources including ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle are now reporting a deal is near. (But not complete, don’t go popping champagne bottles just yet)

Sources have also said that Ibrahimovic, if he does indeed make the move, will be signed with the help of Targeted Allocation Money, meaning he will not take up a Designated Player spot. It’s unclear at this point if sponsors or other sources are kicking in money to augment Ibrahimovic’s salary.

The two sides have been down this road before, only for a devastating knee injury Ibrahimovic suffered last April to lead to a breakdown in the prospect of a deal at the time.

Ibrahimovic, 36, has since returned, making seven league and cup appearances this season. However, the former Sweden international suffered a setback at the end of December, but is reportedly due to resume training next week.

Is the news for real this time? One source claims negotiations between LA and Ibra are the furthest they’ve ever been, so its hard not to feel optimistic. If the Galaxy can manage to lure Ibra to Los Angeles on top of acquiring Ola Kamara...that would be one hell of a coup.

Update: The Zlatan-to-LA transfer saga is one step closer to becoming a reality as Jose Mourinho admitted Manchester United would allow Ibra to move on.

“He told me nothing about it. First time I read something about this is was from you, I read from somewhere or saw on some TV channel, he never mentioned that to me so I don’t know,” said Mourinho.

“Zlatan is in last year of his contract. If, if, if – and he said nothing to it to me – but if, if, if that is true and Zlatan wants a future in another club in another country we are here to help and create conditions to help, not to make his life difficult. But the last thing Zlatan told me was he wants to recover totally and help the team.”