Transfer Centre

Manchester United's pursuit of Marco Verratti 'put on hold'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 23 July 2017

Man United's move for Marco Verratti has reportedly been halted in its tracks as Paris Saint-Germain only want to do business if Anthony Martial heads the opposite way.

Manchester United have reportedly temporarily shelved plans to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain as the French side are demanding Anthony Martial in return.

The 24-year-old emerged as a rumoured target for the Red Devils earlier this week after hiring Mino Raiola as his new agent - the man who brokered deals for Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

After helping the trio of high-profile names to complete their moves to Old Trafford last summer, it was claimed that the same could now be the case for Verratti, who is keen to leave the French capital before the transfer window closes.

According to The Sun any possible move has been put on hold, however, as PSG are only willing to do business if £56m forward Martial is included as part of the deal.

It is claimed that United chief Ed Woodward had been locked in negotiations with the Parisians, but United are not prepared to offload Martial and have therefore seen their hunt for Verratti halted in its tracks.

Jose Mourinho admitted on Friday that he is desperate to bring a new player on board "as soon as possible" so that he can integrate him into the starting lineup prior to the new season beginning.