Sweden boss tells Ibrahimovic to put transfer talk on hold

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic's potential move to Manchester United looks to be on hold for the time being after Sweden coach Erik Hamren stressed it 'would not be OK' for the striker to fly to England at the moment.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes part in a Sweden training session ahead of their Euro 2016 opener against Ireland. Picutre: AFP/Getty ImagesZlatan Ibrahimovic takes part in a Sweden training session ahead of their Euro 2016 opener against Ireland. Picutre: AFP/Getty Images
Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes part in a Sweden training session ahead of their Euro 2016 opener against Ireland. Picutre: AFP/Getty Images

Ibrahimovic is with the Sweden squad in France preparing for their Euro 2016 opener against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

The 34-year-old, who is leaving Paris St Germain this summer at the end of his contract, has been heavily linked with United.

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Reports a week ago suggested the Old Trafford outfit were close to signing him and on Tuesday Ibrahimovic, having been asked about it directly, refused to confirm whether or not he was set to join United, adding: “You will have to have patience.”

Now Hamren has had his say. Quoted by Swedish newspaper Goteborgs-Posten, he said: “Players have their leisure time on the schedule – there’s nothing I can control.

“But it would not be OK for Zlatan to fly to Manchester.”

Hamren also emphasised his confidence the speculation will not have a negative impact on Ibrahimovic or any of the rest of the Sweden squad.

He added: “I’m 100 per cent sure it will not affect Zlatan. He has been in the business a long time.

“I understand there is a lot of Zlatan media. Not only in Sweden. I understand that.

“But with us, it is nothing. He handles it perfectly. The players are familiar with it.

“You can be calm – there is nothing that has affected us negatively in the group. Absolutely nothing.”