'I will strongly oppose the sale' - One of Manchester United's big transfer targets now seems to be out of reach
Jose Mourinho made Ivan Perisic one of his chief transfer targets. Photo: Reuters/Alan Greth
Manchester United appear to have suffered a major blow in their enduring pursuit of Ivan Perisic, after Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti confirmed he would now block any move for his Croatian winger.
United have been heavily linked with a move to sign Perisic throughout this summer, with Inter chiefs increasingly bemused that the persistent reports in the UK media about a potential deal has not been backed up by a firm offer from the Old Trafford club.
Suggestions that United will not meet Inter's €50m asking price have been reported in the UK and Italian media, yet it appears talks over the fine details of a deal have not taken place.
Spurious reports last week suggested United had 'agreed a fee' for Perisic, but Spalletti has poured cold water on that story by confirming Inter have not even held credible talks over the sale of the 28-year-old.
"I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes," stated the coach who appeared to be open to the sale of Perisic in comments offered up earlier this week.
"Until now, there hasn't been any important contact. There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window, but there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over.
"It's true as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to replace him with another player."
United manager Jose Mourinho met Perisic in Croatia last March as he eyed up a move for a player he has long admired, but it appears his club are no closer to finalising this transfer than they were back then.
While Perisic appeared to be keen to miss Inter's pre-season trip to China last week amid claims that he had set his heart on a move to United, he has made a positive impression in the Far East and Spalletti is now planning for the new Serie A season with the experienced operator at the heart of his plans.
