Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign PSG and Italy midfield mainstay Marco Verratti in the summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are among three clubs gunning to secure the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti in the upcoming transfer window.
Verratti has spent almost a decade with PSG, having first signed in 2012 from Italian outfit Pescara. During his stint with Les Parisiens, the 29-year-old has developed into one of the best midfielders in the game, playing an integral role in the success that the French capital outfit have enjoyed.
Verratti has amassed a total of 371 appearances, racking up a tally of 11 goals and 59 assists. The midfielder is also a key part of the Italian national team and was part of the roster that lifted the UEFA Euro 2020 last year. However, following a disappointing couple of weeks at the club and international level, he could be on the move in the summer.
Verratti saw his PSG side falter in the UEFA Champions League yet again, as they were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Round of 16 stage. In addition, the 29-year-old also had to endure the ignominy of failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup with Italy, who were recently eliminated from the Qualifier playoffs by minnows North Macedonia.
With Verratti set to enter his thirties in a few months, the midfielder could opt to leave PSG for a new challenge in the summer, piquing the interest of Premier League giants Manchester United.
The Red Devils have endured a torrid season and are in line for a major shakeup in the summer. Not only will the club be naming a new manager, but they will also see several squad members depart from Old Trafford, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba all expected to leave on free transfers with their contracts expiring.
There are also question marks over the futures of Harry Maguire, Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford. However, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly decided to stay put at Manchester United even if they miss out on Champions League football next term. Given the situation, it will not be surprising to see the 20-time English champions splurge heavily in the summer to add more quality to their roster.
Midfield is a department where Manchester United will need to strengthen, considering Pogba looks destined to leave on a Bosman deal. In addition, Donny van de Beek could seek a permanent exit after leaving on loan in January, while Matic’s future at the club is also far from certain. As a result, a new midfielder is at the top of the agenda for Manchester United heading into the summer.
There have been links with West Ham United superstar Declan Rice, while several other names such as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Youri Tielemans (Leicester City) and Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax), have also been mentioned as potential targets for Manchester United. Now, Verratti, too, has emerged on the agenda at Old Trafford as they look to bolster their options in midfield.
The Italian international is a proven, world-class operator with great experience at the highest level and would elevate the quality of this Manchester United side. However, they will have to compete with Inter Milan and AS Roma for his signing.
