Ivan Perisic has dropped his biggest hint yet that he might be interested in making a move over to England, with Manchester United heavy favourites to land the Croat.
Manchester United’s much-publicised chase of Ivan Perisic could be heading to a concluding stage, as the Croat has dropped a massive hint suggesting he could be ready to make a move to England and the Premier League. As reported by The Sun, the Inter Milan winger would prefer to join a top club from a top league if he is to move away from San Siro.
It’s been more than a year since Jose Mourinho has wanted to bring Perisic over to Old Trafford, with Inter Milan on hand to reject multiple bids last summer for the Croat. This time, however, Perisic has himself opened the door for Manchester United to come and present an offer to the Nerazzurri to take him away from San Siro.
Perisic had a terrific World Cup campaign with Croatia, as he was one of the best players in a team that made it to the final in Moscow. Now 29, Perisic feels there may not be much time left to take the next big step in his career, suggesting the time is now for it to happen. Manchester United are the heavy favourites if the Croat is to leave Inter.
“Honestly, I would like to test myself in all of the biggest leagues but the question is will I have the time, I am 29 and working to extend my career as long as I can. Yes, I’d like to play in England and Spain but I don’t know if there is enough time left.
“I heard some clubs want me but they have to talk to my club and only after that could I join the negotiations and decide. If I was to change club, it could only be to a top league and top club.”
Manchester United’s need for a winger is no secret, and despite making the high profile signing of Alexis Sanchez in January, Mourinho still feels he needs someone on the right side of the attack. With Anthony Martial’s career all but over at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are looking for a player who could slot in immediately and Perisic fits the bill.
After fruitlessly trailing Chelsea star Willian, Manchester United have seemingly given up on him for now. United were also linked with other players who could play in that position including the likes of Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Dries Mertens of Napoli. With all those options now out of scope, Perisic could be their only hope.
Perisic has made 118 appearances in an Inter Milan shirt, scoring 31 times for the Italian side in all competitions. After intense speculation last summer, Perisic recently signed a new five-year-deal with Inter to prolong his time at San Siro till 2022.
Manchester United reportedly failed with multiple bids with the highest of the lot considered to be around £40 million. But, after a stellar season with Inter, a superb World Cup and the fact that he still has four years left on his deal has prompted the Italians to value him at £70 million, from which they are unlikely to budge.
For Manchester United, time is running out as they have to make a move quickly enough to finalise it before the August 9 transfer deadline for English clubs. Other players who are surplus to requirement, including Martial, can still be sold before August 31. But, their priority, for now, remains a right winger and Perisic could be their man.
