Manchester United are reportedly set to launch a sensational move to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, who is also a Barcelona target
According to a report by TransferMarketWeb, Manchester United are likely to launch an attempt to hijack Barcelona target Marco Verratti as the midfielder is keen to leave PSG this summer.
Verratti is regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world and has managed to establish himself as a key element in PSG’s midfield in the last five seasons. He is widely renowned for his ability to tighten things in the centre while ensuring an efficient distribution of the ball.
Last season was rather underwhelming for the French giants as they lost out on the Ligue 1 title to AS Monaco and failed to make an impact in the Champions League as well. However, Verratti was an exceptional performer even as the club endured issues.
He recorded 43 appearances in all competitions for PSG while also chipping in with 3 goals and 8 assists. It is goes without saying that he is crucial to their success but Verratti is believed to be seeking an exit this summer.
It was reported earlier that Barcelona are closing in on the midfielder, but United are also in the fray now. Jose Mourinho has been in the market for a midfielder and even though he has managed to sign a defender and a striker, the Portuguese boss will be determined to sign a midfielder to complete his summer wishlist.
United are in need of a strong, reliable figure in the midfield who can also perhaps act as a replacement for Michael Carrick. The United boss will need to act fast though since Barcelona have been targeting Verratti for months now.
The Catalan club, too, are coming off a not-so-great campaign last term wherein they lost out on the La Liga title to arch rivals Real Madrid and also had to exit the Champions League in the quarterfinals stage and will be keen to boost their arsenal.
The midfield is a problem area for the Catalonian giants since they have failed to fill the void left by Xavi’s departure in 2015. Captain Andres Iniesta is slowing down and could be nearing the end of his time at Barcelona.
Additionally, Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez have failed to make a mark which brings up a desperate need for a new midfielder. Thus, a summer battle seems to be setting up to secure Verratti’s services, and it remains to be seen where the midfield dynamo heads off to this summer.