Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is ready to rekindle his long-standing interest in Inter winger Ivan Perisic this summer, claims the Manchester Evening News. Perisic came close to joining United 12 months ago but the Premier League giants failed to get a deal over the line after refusing to match Inter’s near-£50m valuation.
The Croatia international put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with Inter after failing to secure a move to Old Trafford, but Mourinho is prepared to have a second go at signing the winger. Mourinho praised Perisic during his punditry work for Russia Today at the 2018 World Cup, hailing his unique skill set compared to other players in the same position in the wake of Croatia’s semi-final win over England.
Gareth Bale has re-emerged as a transfer target for United but the Wales international wants conclusive talks with new Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui before making a decision on his future at the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock departure from Madrid will only make it more difficult for United to prise Bale back to the Premier League and Mourinho is preparing a move or Perisic as a result. Inter are interested in signing Matteo Darmian but it remains to be seen if United plan to use the Italy international as a makeweight in order to reduce Perisic’s fee.
Perisic enjoyed a thoroughly impressive World Cup campaign and came alive for Croatia during the business end of the tournament. The 29-year-old netted in Sunday’s final defeat to France, finishing the World Cup with three goals and one assist.