Manchester United target Angel Di Maria has reportedly rejected a move to Paris Saint-Germain in favour of a switch to the Premier League.
French source L’Equipe claims the Real Madrid winger is closing in on a Bernabeu exit but has informed his advisors to find him a club in England, despite being the subject of strong interest from the cash-rich French heavyweights.
It represents a huge boost to United and their new manager Louis van Gaal, who is ready to step up the club’s transfer activity after completing his World Cup assignment with the Dutch national side.
Argentina wideman Di Maria still has four years remaining on his contract in Spain but is said to have made up his mind that he is ready for a new challenge overseas.
A source close to United told Football Express News they have high hopes of getting their hands on him this summer.
PSG have the financial muscle to win any bidding war and offer the highest salary, but the 26-year-old is thought to have expressed concerns about the lack of a competitive edge at the top of Ligue 1.
He has set his heart on the cut-and-thrust of life at the summit of the Premier League, although the Red Devils will be aware that the player has not specifically requested a move to Old Trafford.
If other English clubs who, unlike United, can offer him Champions League football enter the race for his signature, van Gaal may end up with a battle on his hands.
Di Maria sat out last night’s World Cup final defeat to Germany through injury.