Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that Patrie Evra is considering his future at the club amid Premier League interest.
According to Sam Street of the Sun, Patrice Evra could be set for a dramatic return to Manchester United as Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirmed that the player is considering his options.
As per Sports Mediaset (translation taken from the Sun report), Marotta stated:
“Evra was not called up to the squad because he’s thinking about his future. If he leaves, we will not sign a replacement. It’s only right he’s taking a moment to reflect, as his contract will expire in June, he is 35 years old going towards 36. We’ll see next week.”
“I don’t think we need to find a replacement, as we have internal options like Kwadwo Asamoah and Federico Mattiello.”
The 35-year-old was omitted from the Old Lady’s 20-man squad that faced Bologna at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday. The hosts won the game comfortably, courtesy of a Gonzalo Higuain brace and Paulo Dybala’s 41st minute penalty. In the absence of the France international, Kwado Asamoah started at left-back.
Toward the end of 2016, Evra emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United as manager Jose Mourinho was looking to add to his options at left-back. However, reports emerged a few days later, stating the Portuguese was not looking to bring the Frenchman back to the club.
However, with Marotta confirming the player’s intent to leave, United might step in to welcome back the veteran defender. The experienced campaigner spent an impressive eight seasons at Old Trafford and went on to become a fan favourite.
He was held in high regard by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and was the Scotsman’s first-choice left-back during his time as a Red Devils player.
Luke Shaw has struggled to maintain fitness this season after a season-ending injury last season. Matteo Darmian has featured in place of the Englishman on a few occasions, but is not expected to boss the position for long. The same can be said of Daley Blind, who prefers playing at the heart of defence rather than at left-back.
Evra has also drawn interest from La Liga side Valencia, while Premier League outfit West Ham are reportedly keeping an eye on the player as well. However, if the 35-year-old is to leave the Old Lady, he will be holding out for a Old Trafford return.
