Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United have received a boost in their chase of Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier as Transfermarketweb reports that the defender could move for just £16million this summer.
The unsettled defender has been eyeing the exit door throughout the summer, with Manchester United heavily linked with the 24-year-old. There is reported interest from Chelsea and Arsenal too but it is the Red Devils who are leading the chase.
The Italian media outlet report that Inter Milan could also be an interested party for the Ivory Coast international.
Almost Half The Amount, Really?
It was reported earlier in the summer that the Parisian club would be happy to accept bids north of £27million. That makes this latest report of the player being available for under £16million a hugely appealing one.
This is an inflated market and it is very difficult to find value. Aurier has a contract with PSG until June 2019 but is open to leaving France considering his trysts with indiscipline and reduced game time.
Visa Issues
The former Toulouse defender was found guilty of assaulting a police officer in Paris last year outside a night club and was subsequently banned in the UK. He also had discipline issues at the club, having taken to social media making abusive remarks about the then-manager Laurent Blanc. He was even suspended by the club at that time.
His conviction in the assault case makes it difficult for him to get a visa, although the player has appealed against his conviction in the French courts. The case would be heard this week and will be crucial in the deal moving forward.
The Red Devils would need clarification on this issue from the government before making a bid for the player as any potential deal will hinge on the visa issues. If he comes, Aurier will provide competition to Antonio Valencia, who is our designated right-back.
