By Dave Marshall
A new saga has emerged in the transfer of Ivan Perisic to Manchester United after negotiations between Inter Milan and the Red Devils stalled over a new agreement.
Jose Mourinho had identified the Croatian as a priority signing following the arrivals of Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku, but the Old Trafford outfit are not keen to meet the £49m asking price. A deal may be brokered in time before the Nerrazurri head to China for their pre-season tour on Tuesday, as Inter want United forward, Anthony Martial as part of the deal to take Perisic to the 20-time English giants, according to the Telegraph.
Friday came with the news that Inter Milan sporting director, Walter Sabatini stated that Perisic is wanted by Inter boss, Spaletti to stay at the San Siro but that the club won’t stand in his way if he is unhappy at the club.
The problem the Italian club have had is getting a replacement for the winger, but it seems they have a potential name in Anthony Martial. The 21-year-old forward could have more limited playing time following the arrival of Perisic, and could be willing to move to Italy to get regular game time ahead of the 2018 World Cup Year.
Jose Mourinho may be open to the move given that Inter want Martial only for a season, and he hopes that going to Italy will help toughen him and aid his development. Martial struggled for game time in what was a difficult second season at United, scoring just 8 times in 42 matches, though most of his appearances were from a wide role, as the centre was occupied by the indispensable Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
