Report: Matic Close To Sign, Perisic Talks Almost Over

There are almost two weeks left before Manchester United start their 2017-18 season. They will face Real Madrid in the 2017-18 UEFA Super Cup, but Jose Mourinho is far from being relaxed. The Portuguese tactician has said time and time again he needs at least two more players to complete the squad. He even said he would settle for one, given how crazy the transfer market has been this season.

The needs are clear. Mourinho wants a central midfielder that can replace Carrick, and a wide player who can operate mostly on the left wing.

Two of the names that have been mentioned constantly in transfer rumours are Nemanja Matic and Ivan Perisic. The Chelsea midfielder already worked under Mou when both were at Chelsea. And even though Perisic has not, it is not a secret that Mourinho loves the Inter winger. The ideal scenario would be to acquire both players. But based on recent reports, it seems United will only sign one of them.

Matic Reportedly Close To Sign

The rumour of Matic to Old Trafford has been alive for most of the summer. Chelsea signed Tiemoue Bakayoko, and the presence of N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas alongside the former Monaco man made Matic expendable for Antonio Conte. But things were quiet for the most part, until this week.

Sources from Sky Sports revealed on Friday that Matic is quite close to land at Old Trafford. There is no agreement between the clubs yet, but there shouldn’t be problems reaching one. And most importantly – Matic wants to leave to work under Mourinho again. Knowing he is not an important player for Chelsea, the Blues are likely to let him go.

The Serbian would represent quite an upgrade for United’s midfield. We have already talked about the reasons why he would be a good signing for the club. His imposing physical presence and familiarity with the Premier League should be enough to make him a better option than in-house alternatives such as Marouane Fellaini or Michael Carrick.

Perisic Keeps Getting Further From Old Trafford

While Matic’s arrival should be resolved within a couple of days, things complicated when it comes to Perisic.

United have submitted several bids for the Croatian winger. However, Inter are reluctant to sell their star winger for anything less than €55 million. But that’s nearly half of the problems United face on the pursuit of the former Dortmund player.

Inter’s manager Luciano Spalletti is an admirer of Perisic. And he has said time and time again he does not want to lose his winger. In fact, the former Udinese tactician even said he would like Inter to reject “any offers” regarding the Croatian because he is an important part of the team for next season.

At this point, talks for the Croatian winger are almost dead. And quite honestly, it would be shocking if the 28-year-old leaves Inter in the coming weeks.

Any other option available?

The problem with Perisic is that there aren’t many alternatives on the market to sign a left winger. The talks for Anderson Talisca and Felipe Anderson have cooled off. Gareth Bale is not leaving Real Madrid any time soon. So Mou would have to dig deep into the market again to find the player he wishes.

Otherwise, United might be left stranded in their pursuit of another winger. Again.

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