Soccer

Manchester United emerge as favourites to land Di Maria as PSG pull out of race

Liverpool look to have failed in audacious attempt to land Radamel Falcao

Manchester United are now the favourites to land Real Madrid’s midfielder Angel di Maria after PSG pulled out of the race for the Argentinian. Photograph: Getty
Manchester United are now the favourites to land Real Madrid’s midfielder Angel di Maria after PSG pulled out of the race for the Argentinian. Photograph: Getty
Thu Aug 07 2014 - 21:28

Paris Saint-Germain have called time on their pursuit of the Real Madrid winger Angel di María after being priced out of a deal. Manchester United are now reportedly the frontrunners to land the 26-year-old should he leave the Bernabéu.

The French champions, who on Thursday unveiled £50m centre-back David Luiz, the former Chelsea player, have not hidden their interest in Argentina international during the summer transfer window.

The PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, admitted the transfer would not happen, particularly given the club’s situation with regards to financial fair play. Speaking at Luiz’s unveiling, he said: “We spoke to Real about Di María but he was too expensive.”

Meanwhile Liverpool have made an eye-catching attempt to bring Radamel Falcao to Anfield only to be informed the Monaco striker is destined for Real Madrid this summer.

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The Colombia striker was subject to an inquiry from Liverpool several days ago as Brendan Rodgers attempts to secure a replacement for Luis Suárez.

Liverpool’s approach revealed the 28-year-old, who missed his country’s captivating World Cup campaign with a cruciate ligament injury, is set to follow James Rodríguez out of Monaco but that a deal with European champions Real is close to being agreed. The inquiry from Liverpool has gone no further.

Falcao is keen to return to Madrid having enjoyed a successful two-year spell in the Spanish capital with Real’s local rivals, La Liga champions Atlético. He left that club for a reported £50m last summer but has not settled in Monaco and suffered the knee injury that destroyed his World Cup hopes in a French cup tie in January.

Manchester City have also shown interest in the former Porto forward, with both Premier League clubs understood to be keen on a loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer. However, Falcao appears Real-bound.

Elsewhere Arsène Wenger admits Manchester United are one of the clubs trying to sign Thomas Vermaelen but the Arsenal manager would prefer to see the defender move abroad.

Vermaelen struggled to establish himself last season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs. Wenger refused to discuss the size of the bids received but confirmed Arsenal have received offers for the Belgian.

"Have we received bids? Yes. I can't tell you who from but you will know very soon," Wenger said. "Are Man United one of the teams to have made an offer? I think they could be in the group."

Guardian Service/PA