Manchester United’s chances of signing Ivan Perisic appear to be receding, after Luciano Spalletti suggested the winger is staying at Inter Milan.
The Croatian international has featured highly on Jose Mourinho’s list of targets for much of the summer, but little progress has been made so far. It has been reported that the Reds value the 28-year-old at around £40million, whilst his current employers want nearer to £50million.
Whilst the speculation over his future has been one of the constants of this transfer window, Perisic has impressed for the Nerazzurri on their pre-season tour of Asia. And with the new campaign edging ever nearer, Spalletti claims it would now be difficult to find a replacement should the winger leave.
“There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window (but) there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over,” he said. “As time goes by, it becomes more difficult to replace him with another player. I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes.”
Although United have landed a significant coup this summer by taking striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton, and they’ve also signed defender Victor Lindelof, it hasn’t been an entirely satisfactory window for Mourinho who has made no secret of his desire to sign a winger and a midfielder.
The deal for Perisic now looks to be in the balance, and the chances of Tottenham Hotspur selling Eric Dier would also appear slim. Relations with Chelsea were damaged after United beat them to Lukaku’s signature, which could also make their pursuit of Nemanja Vidic complicated.
