Sridhar Bhamidi
If transfer links are to become soap operas, Ivan Perisic’s move to Manchester United would be an all-year running saga. Now the latest bit on the saga is that the player still wants to join us, according to Sky Sports pundit Kaveh Solhekol (h/t The Express).
Having signed three players in the summer so far and Perisic the only remaining one of his preferred signings left, Jose Mourinho went all out for his signature. In fact, if reports were to be believed, the Croatian winger had agreed to personal terms with the club.
But, Inter Milan rate him highly because of his performances last season, where he was the lone bright spark at the San Siro in an otherwise poor year. New manager Luciano Spalletti had a one-on-one with the player but Perisic was keen on coming to Old Trafford.
United tried to sign him on a cut-price deal but Inter held firm in their valuations. Talks went back and forth between the clubs with Inter even bringing Anthony Martial loan into the picture – which was rejected outright by the Red Devils.
But, United were not willing to accept defeat in the transfer and last week it was reported by The Mirror that United chief Ed Woodward had held further talks with Perisic’s agent Fali Ramadan in a bid to push through a deal worth £39million.
Inter are still holding on to their asking price of £48million but Solhekol believes that Perisic still wants a switch to Old Trafford.
He said: “United want him, he wants to come to United and Inter want him to sign a new deal.”
Mourinho’s quest for a wide man this summer is well known although he is happy with the squad right now. If anything, Martial’s positive start to the season should keep the manager happy as he now has enough options on the left-hand side.
However, everyone knows that Perisic is a natural winger and can add value with his runs. Anyone who has seen him run riot in Inter’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina will vouch for that. The Croatian held back issues of his transfer in the locker room and put in a man-of-the-match display.
No doubt that he would be a huge success when he arrives at Old Trafford and I can’t wait to see him sign the dotted line.
