Marco Verrattia s agent has revealed he has been contacted by FC Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa, but insisted that the midfielder is happy at PSG.
The 22-year-olda s reputation has grown by leaps and bounds since his move to PSG from Pescara in 2012. Verratti is now widely considered as one of the best young midfielders in Europe and he carries lots of hope on his shoulder, for both club and country.
The Italian international made 49 appearances for PSG last season as the French club continued their domination in the domestic league, winning their third Ligue 1 title in a row. PSG also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, before being knocked out by eventual champions Barcelona. Verratti produced some memorable performances in Europe during that run and has drawn attention from a lot of clubs this summer.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to be monitoring his situation in Paris. New manager Rafa Benitez reportedly wants the Italian in his midfield, while rivals Barcelona have earmarked him as the replacement of Xavi.
Barcelonaa s presidential candidate Toni Freixa is keen on signing the youngster and has contacted his agent Donati Di Campli. It has almost become a ritual for presidential candidates to promise big name signings, heading into the election and Verratti seems to be the card Freixa has played in his election campaign.
Di Campli has now confirmed that Freixa has contacted him, over the phone, but insisted that Verratti is happy to stay at PSG, although he didna t quite dismiss a possible exit this summer.
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“I haven’t seen Freixa, as was reported in the media, but I have spoken to him on the telephone.
“But I speak with a lot of people every day and it doesn’t mean anything.
“Marco is absolutely calm, he is happy in Paris and has a long-term contract. Whoever wants him needs to get in contact directly with Paris St Germain and not with us.
“There’s nothing else for us to add.” a Donati Di Campli told Sky Italia.
PSG are unlikely to entertain any bid for Verratti this summer, since he has become such a crucial member of the squad. Moreover, Barcelona wona t be able to sign him for next season due to the transfer ban imposed by FIFA. Real Madrid though remains a possible destination, although they will have to pay over the top in order to be considered by the French club; of course in a way that is Real Madrid’s forte.