Manchester United are known to have prepared a list of elite prospects across Europe for the upcoming transfer window as the Red Devils look to regain their world class stature, which is lost since Sir Alex Ferguson left the helm.
The club brought in many successful gaffers since then hoping they could lead them to the zenith that they had once achieved, but none have managed to do it. Now with Jose Mourinho at the helm, United are leaving no stone unturned in getting his requirements, which was evident from the £89 million Paul Pogba signing last summer.
The Portuguese manager has quite passionately defended the criticism of Pogba this season as the midfielder often seemed to lose his way in the middle of the park. Pogba is missing a partner alongside him in the midfield who could ease the pressure off him as his towering frame and abilities with the ball, ends up with him being heavily marked by opponents.
United have been linked with a number of top midfielders in the recent months and the latest one to join the bandwagon has been Blaise Matuidi. The French midfielder has enjoyed a good time with Paris-Saint Germain since moving from Saint Etienne back in 2011 until now.
Reports in France claim that a rift has developed between the player and the club of late since the club’s billionaire president Nasser Al-Khelaifi refused to offer the midfielder a new deal. The Ligue 1 defending champions are willing to dispose of him this summer and with Manchester pursuing him, the player has been more than willing to take the offer.
The last contract offer that Matuidi got was in autumn, which saw his salary slashed to half opposed to a two-year extension. The French club hasn’t made an improved approach since then and with just one year remaining on his contract, his chances of leaving the club are increasing.
Although the 30-year-old isn’t the most domineering aerially with his 175cm height, his defensive contribution and ability to hold the ball more than makes up for it. The French international is a beast at the middle of the pitch with immense work rate and good strength, which when blended with his brilliant passing and ball intercepting skills, makes him an outstanding asset for any side.
Reportedly, PSG are willing to part ways with the midfielder for as little as £12.5 million, which United can pay at once. The fee has attracted offers from Spain but United leads the chase.
