According to reports in the Sunday Mirror, Manchester United’s chances of completing a £60m deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti have taken a huge blow with the French side demanding Anthony Martial in return.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Sunday Mirror says that Verratti has become a top target for Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho in his search for a new central midfielder with Chelsea refusing to budge on their £50m valuation of Nemanja Matic.
The Sunday Mirror say that United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward stepped up his pursuit of the 24-year-old after Barcelona cooled their interest in the Italy international, who recently chose Mino Raiola to become his new agent – the same man that represents Mourinho, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.
However, the report adds that PSG are only willing to do business with the club if Martial is included in any deal and while United aren’t willing to agree to that, negotiations are continuing over a deal.
How did Verratti do last season?
The Italian was once again an influential figure for the French side and he scored three goals and provided an further eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions in what was a disappointing season for PSG as they lost out to Monaco for the Ligue 1 title, and suffered an embarrassing exit at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old is considered to be a deep-lying midfielder who can dictate the play and with an 89% passing accuracy in 28 league appearances last season, he showed how comfortable he is in possession.
In addition, Verratti is not only good on the ball but he likes to run with it too and he successfully completed 58 of the 66 take-ons he attempted.
Would he be a good signing for United?
He certainly would be.
With the likes of Michael Carrick and Marouane Felllaini in the middle of the park there is a real lack of legs and energy and bringing in Verratti would certainly help that issue.
The 24-year-old has show just how good he can be for club and country during his career so far, and his addition would undoubtedly be adding another piece of the jigsaw that will take United closer to winning the Premier League title again, although it now all depends on their negotiating skills.
