By Dave Marshall
Reports in several media publications broke out on Wednesday that Manchester United had agreed a £27m deal to sign Ivorian right back, Serge Aurier from PSG. The 24-year-old has been strongly linked to a switch to Old Trafford, but Sky Sports report that United do not want the player, who is currently banned from entering the UK.
Jose Mourinho has already signed the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic and reports earlier this week suggested that United are looking at Aurier to provide competition at right back for long serving player, Antonio Valencia.
Before signing Matic, Mourinho had admitted that his transfer dealings could be over, claiming that he needed two more signings prior to the 29-year-old signing, but that he might only get one. Aurier has looked surplus to requirements since the arrival of legendary right back, Daniel Alves at the Parc des Princes and is keen on a move away from the French giants. He has always courted controversy and was banned from entering the UK, after assaulting a police officer in front of a Paris night club in September.
Aurier has also been linked to Tottenham and Inter Milan, but both clubs are unwilling to meet the French club’s valuation, and with United reportedly withdrawing from the race to sign the 24 year old, both clubs should step up their pursuit of the former St. Etienne man.
With three signings this summer, United have also been linked to Inter Milan winger, Ivan Perisic but Inter are unwilling to do business with United, given that manager, Luciano Spaletti has stated that the 28-year-old is not for sale, and it seems that Mourinho is content with the business done this summer, according to Sky.
Aurier is a powerful right sided defender known for his strength, pace and being an extreme force of nature. United have passed on signing him, as we seem pleased with the presence of Matteo Darmian as backup to Valencia. He joined the Ligue 1 outfit in 2014, and has made a total of 56 league appearances, and scoring twice.
