Man Utd transfer news: Perisic ready to defy Inter
Croatian wide man is winging his way to Old Trafford, but Real Madrid frustrate move for Morata
Inter Milan have offered him a pay rise but so desperate is Ivan Perisic to join Manchester United that he's ready to snub the new offer and sign for the Red Devils.
According to the Daily Express the 28-year-old Croatia international is top of Jose Mourinho's summer shopping list but United and Inter "are struggling to agree over a fee". United are apparently willing to pay the Italian club around £26.5m for the winger but Inter "are playing hardball" and are demanding more, while trying to persuade Perisic to stay.
The Italians have told the wide man they will hike his salary from £68,000 to £85,000 a week, but that's still not enough for Perisic, who has three years left on his current deal.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He has his heart set on Old Trafford and the chance to play in the Premier League. The Express says that if United are to prise him from the San Siro they'll probably have to offer Inter in the region of £43m.
The likely capture of Perisic is also going to have implications for Anthony Martial, says the Express, throwing his future into doubt amid rumours of interest from Arsenal.
The Sun claims that United's attempt to sign Alvaro Morata has hit the buffers because Real Madrid have taken it upon themselves to raise "their valuation of the player to nearly £80m".
The Red Devils had believed a bid of around £60m would be enough to sign the Spanish striker but, according to the Sun, the European champions have demanded £20m more, "much to United's frustration".
Morata is also aggrieved at the club's action. The 24-year-old has apparently intervened, "speaking directly to Real from his honeymoon in a bid to try and get the deal done".
It remains to be seen whether Real will relax their hardline stance but the Sun says that while Morata didn't feature much last season, coach Zinedine Zidane still values the striker and "doesn't want to let him go".
Man Utd transfer news: Talisca signs on, Ronaldo stays put
22 June
United have made their second signing of the season, reports The Sun, with Benfica winger Anderson Talisca joining former teammate Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford.
According to the paper the Red Devils "have agreed personal terms" with Talisca after being impressed with his performance last season on loan with Turkish outfit Besiktas. The 23-year-old scored 17 goals in 33 games and although the Istanbul club had hoped to take him on loan for a second season Turkish newspaper AMK says United have persuaded Talisca to join them in a permanent deal.
Besiktas claim to "have a £20m clause written into their loan deal" but having failed to trigger it, United have made their move and are ready to meet Benfica's asking price.
The Sun says that Jose Mourinho is "a long-term admirer of Talisca" and the Brazilian last week admitted he "dreams" of playing for United.
Talking of dreams, it seems Los Angeles FC's fantasy of luring Zlatan Ibrahimovic Stateside has been realised with Goal.com reporting that the stringy Swede, released earlier this month by United, will be furthering his career in the MLS.
The news was leaked by Ibrahimovic's clothing brand, A-Z, which tweeted a photo of the veteran frontman in LAFC colours alongside the message: "Welcome to Los Angeles. The journey continues." The clothing chain has no stores in LA so, as Goal.com points out, that can only mean thing - Ibrahimovic has agreed terms with LAFC.
Finally, and let's be honest, to no one's great surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly staying put at Real Madrid after patching things up with the club.
Rumours that Ronaldo was furious with his treatment following accusations of tax fraud led to wild speculation that he had demanded to be released from his contract, but Metro says that he is "prepared to make peace with the La Liga giants". Consequently, Jose Mourinho has switched his focus to Alvaro Morata and a deal is expected to be agree shortly between United and the Spanish striker, who is said to be unsettled at Real because of his lack of opportunities.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The nuclear threat: is Vladimir Putin bluffing?
Talking Point Kremlin's newest ballistic missile has some worried for Nato nations
By The Week UK Published
-
Layla: Amrou Al-Kadhi's queer love story splits critics
Talking Point Bilal Hasna gives a 'winning performance' in starring role – but the romance feels 'bland'
By The Week UK Published
-
Captain Tom: a tarnished legacy
Talking Point Misuse of foundation funds threatens to make the Moore family a disgrace
By The Week UK Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man Utd win the Carabao Cup: how Erik ten Hag has ‘transformed’ the Red Devils
feature United lifted their first silverware since 2017 after beating Newcastle at Wembley
By Mike Starling Published
-
Jim Ratcliffe: petrochemical billionaire turned Man Utd bidder
Why Everyone’s Talking About The Ineos owner is the first to publicly bid for the 13-time Premier League winners
By Richard Windsor Published
-
Where will Cristiano Ronaldo go next?
feature Portugal captain has been linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Reactions to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘explosive’ interview with Piers Morgan
feature Portugal captain feels ‘betrayed’ by Man Utd and believes he’s being forced out of the club
By Mike Starling Published