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Thursday Kickoff: Transfer fee agreed for Di Maria; Tigres, River draw in leg 1; and more

AngelDiMariaManUnited1-Everton2014 (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Angel Di Maria’s on-again, off-again transfer to Paris Saint-Germain looks like it’s finally ready to become a reality.

According to a report out of Spain, PSG has reached a €63 million ($69 million) transfer fee agreement with Manchester United for the Argentine international, who is still on vacation after taking part in the 2015 Copa America.

Di Maria only joined Man United 11 months ago from Real Madrid, signing for approximately €74.8 million (nearly $100 million). But due to injuries and positional flexibility, Di Maria never truly found his place in Man United’s starting XI, scoring just three goals in the English Premier League in 20 starts.

If the reports are true, it would be the second big win this week for PSG. The French champions coincidentally defeated Man United, 2-0, at Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday to clinch the 2015 International Champions Cup title.

After the match, PSG manager Laurent Blanc hinted that the transfer is imminent.

Here are some more stories to start off your Thursday:

TIGRES, RIVER PLAY TO STALEMATE IN MEXICO

Nothing could separate the sides in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final as Tigres UANL and River Plate played out to a scoreless draw in front of a packed house at the Estadio Universitario in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Tigres nearly scored on a couple of occasions in the first half, with a cross from the right being deflected off the crossbar by River defender Ramiro Funes Mori, and a header from Rafael Sobis being saved on the line by River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero.

In the second half, Jurgen Damm was in alone on a breakaway and even though he sidestepped Barovero, he couldn’t get a shot past him, ruining another great opportunity.

Though River defended for much of the game and stymied Tigres’ attack, they were still handed a pair of blows. Defender Gabriel Mercado picked up a yellow card in the match, which triggered his suspension due to yellow card accumulation, and coach Marcello Gallardo was sent off during the match on Wednesday.

The two teams return to the field next Wednesday at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

QUICK KICKS

Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt to face Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup due to a back problem. (REPORT)

German forward Mario Gomez has completed a season-long loan deal from Fiorentina to Besiktas, who have an option to buy at the end of the loan. (REPORT)

Young Paraguayan international Derlis Gonzalez has completed a transfer move from FC Basel to Dynamo Kiev. (REPORT)

Adrian Mutu has signed as a “Marquee Player” for Indian Super League club FC Pune City. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? What do you think of Di Maria leaving Man United? Do you think it’s the right decision? What are Tigres’ chances down in Buenos Aires?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Tigres is going to have a hard time in Argentina, but I’ll be rooting for them. Tigres has such a talented roster. They’ve easily become one of the most talented team in North America. Tigres V America is going to be insane

    Reply

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