The deal that will see Angel di Maria join Manchester United this summer has made huge progress, after Sky Sports reported that the club have agreed a British record fee of £63.9 million (est. $105.9 million) for the Argentinian winger.
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Reports emerged earlier this week that the Champions League winner was on the verge of leaving the club, with Carlo Ancelotti admitting defeat. The Italian recently brought in James Rodriguez, leaving di Maria without a guaranteed place in the starting XI at Madrid.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been keen to bring in new recruits after losing the opening game of the season against Swansea City, and has since brought in di Maria’s Argentina teammate Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon. As part of the deal, Nani joined his former club on loan for the rest of the season, leaving United lacking options in the wide areas.
It has also been suggested that former United star Cristiano Ronaldo convinced di Maria to choose the club over Paris St-Germain, praising the support he received during his stint at Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague, the Argentina international is expected to fly to England on Monday, with the club hopeful of concluding a deal before their fixture with Burnley on Saturday.
Following his side’s draw with Sunderland, Louis van Gaal stayed tight-lipped on the reports about a move for Angel di Maria.
“The club has to announce it. When we are thinking it is the right time for a transfer, then we come to you and say ‘OK, we have that player or the other player’. But at this time we cannot say anything.”
However, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Angel di Maria has played his last game for the Champions League winners after saying his final goodbyes on Sunday.
“Di Maria has not trained with us and he came in to say goodbye to the players and people at the club. We are thankful for what he has done at this club. There is nothing official yet but it is being sorted out.”
If you are a Manchester United fan, what are your thoughts on the deal? Do you think this solves van Gaal’s problems? Sound off in the comment section below.