Manchester United Transfer News: Angel Di Maria Talks Reportedly Opened with PSG

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly opened negotiations with Manchester United for the transfer of Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria.  

According to French outlet RMC Sport (h/t Louis Sealey of Metro), "PSG are in contact with United over acquiring Di Maria in a transfer move worth around £46 million."

Sky Sports notes the arrival of Memphis Depay and "imminent" arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin at United could see Di Maria pushed through the door now that the Red Devils have alternative options to the player who can work from the flank or the middle.

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PSG boss Laurent Blanc is keen to add Di Maria to his squad, telling L'Equipe (h/t Sky Sports):

"

Yes, I like him very much. We have our priorities. But to strengthen such a team you must target guys who are at big clubs and who are not easy to prise away. That’s hardest for PSG.

Di Maria, he’s good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we’re not alone in wanting him. 

When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone. Competition is very, very tough. Don’t forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him. For us to work effectively, we have to think of other solutions. We must be proactive.

"

B/R UK's Sam Pilger highlighted the competition PSG may face for Di Maria's signature:

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Jamie Jackson of the Guardian believes United will target PSG forward Edinson Cavani as a replacement for the outgoing Robin van Persie, a deal which could involve Di Maria moving the opposite way. ESPN FC's Alex Shaw indicates Cavani is a decent target for the club but that United must hold on to the man they signed from Real Madrid:

Di Maria's bumpy start to life in the Premier League lends itself to rumours of his potential departure. He started in creative fashion, racking up four goals and six assists in 12 matches, per WhoScored.com. Niggling injuries and manager Louis van Gaal's decision to rotate then saw him fail to score for the rest of the season, producing just five more assists across the rest of the campaign.

WhoScored recently looked at how United fared with Di Maria and Van Persie out of the team, as tweeted via Sky Sports:

It would be a huge shame to see Di Maria leave before he truly delivers for the club, especially as Van Gaal is still building a side in which he can excel.

Last season was a transitional campaign for the Dutch manager, who had to undo the damage left by David Moyes. We've seen a mass exodus of unneeded players—including Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Nani—with world-class quality replacing them.

Pilger thinks United should maintain one of the most renowned players in their squad:

"

United possess a rare and brilliant talent, who must now be nurtured and given the stage he deserves rather than cast aside after a single season.

Every leading club in Europe is searching for a catalyst, a player who who can inspire others and help to transform their fortunes. 

In Di Maria, United already possess that player, who remains a world-class talent and, aged only 27, is now approaching his peak.

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B/R UK's Andy Brassell previously discussed which clubs would offer Di Maria the best move:

Van Gaal was brought in to win United titles. Spending lavishly on Di Maria and discarding him just a year later would send the wrong message to supporters.

There are few players in the world more capable of flipping a game on its head with a piece of skill or a clever pass. Yes, Di Maria frustrated throughout his debut season, but his quality should tell in time.

United fans will be celebrating a successful transfer window so far, but a dark cloud will form over business if Di Maria is allowed to leave.