Manchester United are reportedly pondering a summer move for Croatian international Sime Vrsaljko, who is valued at £30 million by Atletico Madrid.
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are set to step up their search for a replacement for Antonio Valencia for the right side of the defence. Sime Vrsaljko is the latest name to be linked with the Red Devils, who must meet Atletico Madrid’s £30 million valuation for the right-back.
Sime Vrsaljko rose to prominence in Italy with Genoa and Sassuolo before being signed by Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2016. With almost two full seasons in the Spanish capital, the Croatian international has only managed 54 appearances, with 35 of them coming in La Liga, having to share game time with Juanfran.
The 26-year-old though, did become a regular in the league this season, with the player being in the team whenever fit and missing a chunk of games due to injuries, leading to just 21 league appearances in the 2017-18 campaign, with just one game left to go.
Vrsaljko has been linked with a return to Italy, with Napoli being among the clubs in the running for his signature. But, Manchester United’s entry into the picture could complicate things.
The Red Devils are in real need of addition of personnel for the right side of their defence, with Antonio Valencia the only viable option in Jose Mourinho’s eyes. Matteo Darmian, who has been serving as the Ecuadorian’s backup, is likely to leave for Juventus in the summer, leaving the right-back slot largely unoccupied, especially with Valencia already 33.
Vrsaljko could be where Manchester United’s search for their new long-term right-back halts. The 26-year-old has gained two years of invaluable experience of playing for a ‘big club’, with appearances in the Champions League and Europa League under his belt.
The Croat has also tasted success during the two-year association with Atletico Madrid, with Los Rojiblancos winning the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League by beating Olympique Marseille in the final.
Atletico Madrid reportedly value the player at £30 million – a more than fair price for an international with four years left on his contract. Manchester United will unlikely baulk at the valuation and are likely to meet the asking price, should they end up deciding in favour of pursuing Vrsaljko.
For now, United are setting up targets for the summer and Vrsaljko is one of the many they are looking towards to reinforce the right flank, with Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj tipped to be one of the names United are considering. The summer is sure to bring a lot of surprises in terms of transfers and Vrsaljko might just end up at Old Trafford.
