Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has claimed that Manchester United will be getting a 'potentially world-class player' in Alvaro Morata when sealing a deal for the Real Madrid forward.

The Red Devils' interest has appeared to cool over the past week following the shock news that Cristiano Ronaldo is also angling for a move away from the Bernabeu.

Nicol insists that it is just a matter of time before a transfer is agreed between the two clubs, however, and he also expects talented midfielder Fabinho - who worked with Jose Mourinho at Madrid - to join from AS Monaco before the end of the summer window.

"It's a no-brainer," he told ESPN when asked about Morata's potential arrival. "It's a position they need and they're going to get somebody who in my opinion could become world class, he's not too far off it.

"He's young, so he's going to be there for a long time. If you're a United fan, you're hoping this happens and I think eventually it will.

"Fabinho? I'd have to say he goes ahead of the majority of their players in the middle of the park. He's coming from a team in Monaco who have a winning mentality, the guy has quality. Mourinho obviously knows him from Real Madrid, so for me he walks into the side.

"I'm not sure other than Paul Pogba who is ahead of him, so I think this is a no-brainer again. I think this guy is a great player and again, he's bringing a winning mentality from Monaco and I think that's the one thing that's missing for United."

Fabinho admitted earlier this week that he would find it hard to say no to Man United if they come calling during the off-season.