Ivan Perisic for £31m? Man Utd alerted by talk of cut-price deal for Inter Milan star
Jose Mourinho could make it third time lucky in his long-standing pursuit of Ivan Perisic.
Manchester United have been put on alert after claims Inter Milan are ready to cash in on the Croatia winger.
Mourinho is a confirmed admirer of the 29-year-old – targeting him in each of the last two summers. But United’s refusal to meet Inter’s £48m valuation ruled out a move to Old Trafford - leaving Mourinho bitterly disappointed.
Now sources in Italy claim Inter would consider selling at a reduced price of as little as £31m.
Mourinho is still to solve his problem position on the right of United’s attack and has long-believed Perisic is an ideal fit.
The United manager wants backing in the transfer market when the January window opens as he looks to rescue the season.
He wants funds to complete the rebuilding he began during a disastrous summer.
A top class centre back remains a priority, with Toby Alderweireld a potential target after Mourinho watched the Tottenham defender in action during the international break.
Inter defender Milan Skriniar is another target.
But a cut-price Perisic would be hard to turn down, with Mourinho believing the winger’s outstanding performances during the World Cup justified his determination to sign him 18 months ago.
With Alderweireld (below) available for £25.4m next summer, United could also pick the Belgian up for a reduced price if they move in January.
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward vetoed a host of Mourinho’s summer targets, but he would struggle to put up an argument to block moves for Perisic and Alderweireld at knock-down prices in the New Year.
Woodward insists the funds are available to sign the world’s biggest players – and was prepared to spend £100m on Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in the summer. And after giving Mourinho his backing during a turbulent start to the season, the focus will be on the level of support he provides his manager with in January.
Inter are believed to be ready to sell Perisic as they look ahead to their own squad rebuilding plans.
With the player turning 30 in February they will know they only have so long to capitalise on him.
