Manchester United could be back in the mix to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti after he hired the services of super-agent Mino Raiola. The Italy international has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, but Les Parisiens are adamant that the player is not for sale.
According to The Sun, the appointment of Raiola could put United into a fairly advantageous position to sign Verratti ahead of Barcelona. The Dutchman oversaw deals for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba at Old Trafford, and he is said to be held in high regard among the Red Devils’ hierarchy.
Verratti was previously represented by Donato Di Campli, who hit out at Les Parisiens’ chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi for treating his client like a ‘prisoner of Emir’ at Parc des Princes. The Italian playmaker has since apologised for his agent’s comments and rejoined the club for pre-season training, but this has not diminished speculation over his future.
Barcelona are willing to offer one of Ivan Rakitic or Andre Gomes in a player-plus-cash deal for Verratti this summer, but the former French champions are holding out for a sum in excess of £80m. Meanwhile, United boss Jose Mourinho has cited that he would not be held to ransom during this summer’s transfer window, but there could be another major signing before next month’s deadline.
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