Monday 13 July 2015 12:46, UK
Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has admitted his interest in signing Manchester United winger Angel di Maria.
Di Maria almost moved to the Parc des Princes last summer before United secured his services for a British-record £59.7m fee.
But the 27-year-old struggled at Old Trafford after a bright start, starting just once for Louis van Gaal's side during the final two months of the season.
The imminent arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, as well as the signing of forward Memphis Depay, have further stoked speculation United could now be prepared to let the Argentina international leave, though Blanc concedes any deal is far from certain.
Asked about Di Maria, the PSG boss was quoted as telling L'Equipe: "Yes, I like him very much. We have our priorities.
"But to strengthen such a team you must target guys who are at big clubs and who are not easy to prise away. That’s hardest for PSG.
"Di Maria, he’s good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we’re not alone in wanting him.
"When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone. Competition is very, very tough. Don’t forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him.
"For us to work effectively, we have to think of other solutions. We must be proactive."
Blanc went on to dismiss reports suggesting star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could leave.
Inter boss Roberto Mancini has admitted he would be keen to lure the Sweden international, who has just a year left on his contract, while midfielder Nigel de Jong has urged Ibrahimovic to return instead to AC Milan.
But Blanc told reporters: "There was never any doubt of him staying.
"I don’t attach any importance to rumours. For us it was very clear: Ibra was always part of the 2015-2016 squad."
