Manchester United may have already signed midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea, but the club could still sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti before the summer transfer window closes.
Verratti had been linked with both Manchester United and Barcelona this transfer window, but it looks like a move to the latter could be off after the Spanish side finalise a deal for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. Barcelona are also trying to add former Tottenham flop Paulinho from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande. The addition of the two Brazilians would leave little in the way of funds to land the highly rated Verratti.
Verratti had been Manchester United Jose Mourinho’s alternative signing to Matic, if the Red Devils hadn’t landed him. But the Portuguese manager may still decide to test PSG by making a bid for the player.
According to reports in France, Verratti is in talks over a new deal with the Parisian club. The new contract would see him paid around £11 million a year with PSG.
In July, it was reported that PSG was interested in selling Verratti to Manchester United, but wanted winger Anthony Martial plus cash in return. At the time, it forced Mourinho and company to put their pursuit of Verratti on hold.
With the Premier League season kicking off next weekend and Manchester United still attempting to sign several players, the club could reignite their interest in Verratti. According to The People media outlet, both Manchester United and PSG are keeping their lines of communication open about a possible deal.
Marco Verratti 2016-17 key stats:
- 3 goals in 28 Ligue 1 matches
- 5 assists in 28 Ligue 1 matches
- 3.1 tackles per match
- 1.4 key passes per match