Man United look to Paris to prepare for Pogba alternative
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As a deal for Paul Pogba continues to find new and unexpected hurdles, the least of which the increasing fee demanded from Juventus, Jose Mourinho could turn his attention to Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi.
With reports suggesting United could fork out as much as £130m plus £300,000 wages for Pogba, Matuidi has been informed he can leave the Parisian giants if the right offer is forthcoming.
The Frenchman starred – alongside Pogba – at Euro 2016, and it’s believed United could sign the 29-year-old for a comparative snip at £30m.
New PSG boss Unai Emery is happy to keep Matuidi on his books, but won’t stand in the way of an offer.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Emery said: “He is a very good player. We have a lot of left-footed defensive midfielders.
“If he has the opportunity to leave and if he thinks there are too many midfielders here… But I do not want him to go.”
Juventus are also keeping tabs on Matuidi, presumably as a Pogba-replacement, so it seems the former Troyes player is set to play a supporting role in what could be the world’s biggest transfer deal.
With time ticking before the new Premier League season kicks off, United are struggling to finalise one of the most protracted and drawn out transfer deals in history.
Recent reports are suggesting United’s patience is beginning to wear thin with Juve seemingly trying to glean all they can from the Red Devils.
With previous target N’Golo Kante having left Leicester to join Chelsea, Matuidi now appears as United and Mourinho’s most logical and achievable alternative.
Mourinho gets his Red Devils reign underway in the Community Shield versus fellow ex-Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri and his reigning league champions Leicester.
United are 4/9 to hand Jose some immediate silverware, while it’s 13/8 the Foxes lift the trophy and deal the new Reds boss an early blow.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
