Laurent Blanc believes Paris Saint Germain are very close to concluding a transfer for Manchester United forward Angel Di Maria.
The Reds paid a club record £59.7million to take the Argentina international from Real Madrid last summer, at a time when financial fair play regulations made it impossible for PSG to compete. It was suggested at the time, although never confirmed, that the player would have preferred a move to France, but had to settle for a switch to Old Trafford instead.
Di Maria made a bright start to life in England, but his form badly trailed off as he had to deal with issues off the pitch when his house was burgled. He also suffered injury problems during his debut campaign in the Premier League, and he ended the season with 32 appearances to his name and four goals, but only Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla made more than his 10 assists.
Louis van Gaal was hopeful that the 27-year-old would form part of his exciting side for the new campaign, but this is looking increasingly likely after the forward missed his flight to the United States to link up with his team-mates. This comes amidst reports that PSG have lodged a £46.5million bid for his signature, and one which Blanc appears confident of succeeding.
“I have no official news,” said the PSG coach, a former player for United. “PSG are looking for an offensive player. Will it be Di Maria? I hope so. He plays for Manchester United at the moment and I hope that if that changes, it will be that he comes to us. We have to have patience a little longer. It’s not easy, between two big clubs. The outcome is very close, in my opinion.”
United, meanwhile, continued their impressive pre-season form with a 3-1 win against European champions Barcelona on Saturday evening. Wayne Rooney gave the Premier League side a half-time lead, with Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj scoring the other goals. Pedro, who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, lined up for the Spaniards.
