LA Galaxy want to prise Zlatan Ibrahimovic away from Manchester United with a deal that would make the striker the highest paid player in Major League Soccer history.

The Swede’s current one-year contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer and though there is an option to extend by a further 12 months it is yet to be signed.

Ibrahimovic has been United’s standout performer of the campaign, scoring 26 goals, including two in last month’s EFL Cup final victory over Southampton.

The Brazilian Kaka’s salary of $7.167m (£5.9m) when playing for Orlando City in 2016 is the MLS’s most lucrative to date. Ibrahimovic would be expected to earn more than this, with sources at LA Galaxy confirming the franchise’s interest in acquiring him.

Ibrahimovic’s successful opening season in English football means he may be reluctant to move to America so Galaxy’s bid to sign the 35-year-old could be used by the player’s representatives as leverage for improved terms from United.