adminLONDON. – Angel di Maria is finally on his way to Paris St-Germain for £44 million – but Manchester United will dock him £360 000 for his no-show on their US tour. United’s decision to fine the Argentina international two weeks’ wages will complete an unhappy year for him at Old Trafford. His move to the French champions is expected to be completed when he arrives in Paris from Buenos Aires for a medical and to sign his contract in the next 48 hours.
United are now set to press the button on a £22 million deal for Barcelona’s unsettled Pedro Rodriguez as a replacement.
They have taken a £15 million hit on Di Maria who they bought from Real Madrid for a British record £59,7 million last August.
Di Maria failed to settle at United, on or off the pitch, but PSG’s former Chelsea defender David Luiz, a friend from their time at Benfica, says he is still a world-class talent.
Luiz said: “He is a great friend, a great player. Every single team he plays in, he makes the difference, helping on the defensive side also. He knows how to assist, to score goals.
“I played with him in Benfica. It’s great to see how much he has improved, how he has become a fantastic player. It would be a pleasure to play with him again.”
Manchester United will press Barcelona to allow Pedro’s move to go through in time for the start of the season should Di Maria complete the formalities of his switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
According to reports in Spain, the Catalan club want the 28-year-old to remain in their ranks until after their European Super Cup clash with Sevilla on August 11.
However, United would like Pedro in their squad for next Saturday’s opening-day visit of Tottenham Hotspur if Di Maria, as expected, finalises his move to the French capital this weekend.
A fee of £45 million for the 27-year-old Di Maria has been agreed after negotiations between the clubs.
That would see United recoup the majority of their outlay after they paid a British-record £59,7 million to bring the Argentina international to Old Trafford from Real Madrid last summer.
It would also bring an end to a miserable time in Manchester for the 2014 Champions League final man of the match, who suffered injuries and the trauma of an attempted break-in at his house.
He failed to join United on their pre-season tour of the United States last weekend – prompting manager Louis van Gaal to claim he did not know where he was.
However, it is understood Di Maria has remained in his homeland until the deal is finalised.Pedro played against United when Barcelona lost 3-1 in Santa Clara last weekend.
Barca boss Luis Enrique, said to be sweating over the fitness of Lionel Messi and Neymar, has asked the player to stay until after the Super Cup, which will take place in Tbilisi. – The Daily Express.
Online Reporter