Manchester United ‘in advanced talks’ with Ivan Perisic

Here we go again

Ivan Perisic, not for the first time in recent memory, is being linked with a move to Manchester United. The Croatian international, scorer of his country's equaliser in the World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday night, was said to be close to a move to Old Trafford a year ago only for United to fail to agree a fee with Inter Milan. According to reports in France, however, the move could very much be back on. They go as far as claiming United are in advanced talks for Perisic, although - slightly confusingly - they also state that the player's representatives are yet to travel to the UK for negotiations. https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1017128423892791296 The reason the French media are taking such an interest in the story is because of the implications the move could have for Anthony Martial's future. It was reported earlier in the summer that Martial, who was overlooked for a place in Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad, wants to leave United over concerns about playing time. A move for Perisic would likely push him further down the pecking order at the Theatre of Dreams. A swap deal involving the pair was mooted last summer. For now, Perisic has other things on his mind with Croatia set to take on France in the World Cup final on Sunday afternoon. Regardless of the result in the Luzhniki Stadium, he's expected to go on holiday after this before he returns to training ahead of the new season - be it with Inter or United. If Perisic does join United in the days ahead, he'll become their fourth summer signing. Brazilian midfielder Fred is their most significant arrival so far, completing his move from Shakhtar Donetsk. Young Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot has also joined the club from Porto. Veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant, who is expected to provide cover for David De Gea and Sergio Romero, became their third signing earlier this month.