Manchester United Transfer News: Luciano Spalletti Discusses Ivan Perisic Rumors

Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has responded to ongoing speculation linking Ivan Perisic with Manchester United, telling reporters to talk to him about the Red Devils' supposed interest and reminding the Croatia international he has to respect his current contract.

As reported by Tuttomercatoweb.com (h/t Metro's Louis Sealey), Perisic has been linked with United throughout the summer, with reports stating manager Jose Mourinho has marked the winger as one of his top targets.

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Talk of a move has dominated the news surrounding the Nerazzurri, and Spalletti was asked about the situation. He said:

"From my point of view the talk is very simple—Ivan is an important player for me, then you have to ask him how he is experiencing this interest from Manchester United.

"But at the same time, he signed a contract which he must respect. Then, if Inter were to accept a certain kind of request, we would get an equally important player. For now things are going right.”

As shared by Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, technical director Walter Sabatini previously told reporters the Mancunians have yet to make a suitable offer:

Per Sealey, Inter value Perisic at £50 million, a fee United are not willing to pay right now.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, was one of Inter's few bright spots last season.

Inter are starting a new chapter under former AS Roma manager Spalletti, and the squad could do with an influx of youth―something that could be obtained by selling Perisic, freeing up space and funds.

The Italians have traveled to China and seem to be preparing for the upcoming season with the Croat firmly in their plans, however. Their trip to Asia highlighted the madness of silly season, per Sport Witness:

United already splashed the cash on Romelu Lukaku, replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic at centre-forward, but they need reinforcements out wide as well. Last season, Mourinho was forced to push one of his talented strikers into a wide role too often―Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial did admirably but are better fits in the centre.

Perisic has been something of a late bloomer who has added new elements to his game every year. He was a good player in the Bundesliga but really elevated himself last season and seems more than ready for a top club.

He has little room left for growth, however, and £50 million is a lot of money for a 28-year-old who is a good, but not world-class, option.

His blue-collar approach and high work rate would make him a perfect fit for Mourinho's philosophy, and United have the kind of financial might to overpay if they have to. There's plenty of time left in the window, so a transfer could still happen.