By RYAN TOLMICH
Having joined Manchester United just last year, Angel Di Maria is inching closer and closer to a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine’s agent, Jorge Mendes, reportedly traveled to Paris Tuesday to hold talks with the French powerhouse, while a representative from Manchester United was also on hand to discuss a potential player exchange.
Man United is reportedly interested in acquiring forward Edinson Cavani in exchange for Di Maria’s services, while a previously pursued deal for Gregory van der Wiel has been mooted by the club’s signing of fellow fullback Matteo Darmian.
Di Maria, who joined Man United from Real Madrid last season, struggled to hold down a first-team place under manager Louis van Gaal, prompting the desire for the transfer.
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Wednesday morning:
RIVER PLATE VICTORIOUS IN OPENING LEG OF SEMIFINAL
River Plate will enter the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal with a major advantage.
Led by second-half goals from Gabriel Mercado and Rodrigo Mora, the Argentine powerhouse topped Paraguay’s Guarani 2-0 in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal in Buenos Aires.
Mercado’s opener game in the 60th minute to give River Plate the lead before Mora’s striker 13 minutes later earned the Argentine side a major leg up heading into the away leg.
River Plate will now travel to Paraguay on Tuesday with a chance to book a spot in the tournament final against either Brazilian side Internacional or Mexico’s Tigres.
STERLING RELIEVED BY MAN CITY TRANSFER
After months of haggling, Raheem Sterling finally got his move, and the 20-year-old winger could not be happier.
Sterling sealed his big-money move to Manchester City on Wednesday for a reported price of £49 million ($76.5 million), setting the club’s record transfer fee while also shattering the record of highest-priced English player. The move is one that now leaves the youngster relieved, as he can now get back to his pursuit of playing time and trophies with the club he now calls home.
“It’s a good feeling and a really happy time for me and my family,” said Sterling, who said Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart helped convince him to join the club. “I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field. Things have come really fast in the last couple of years.
“I’ve just had to learn to take it all in my stride but I never imagined I’d be at this point at the age I am now and breaking a British transfer record fee … the world-class players that are here and a squad that are capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.”
DESPITE UNVEILING, MANCHESTER UNITED YET TO RECEIVE VAN PERSIE FEE
Robin van Persie has been unveiled as a Fenerbahce player, but that doesn’t mean all of the details are fully ironed out.
Manchester United is reportedly yet to be paid for the Dutch star, despite the fact that the Turkish club already announced his signing with an unveiling on Sunday. The two sides have reportedly not quite finalized a fee.
The English club has reportedly declined a fee of somewhere around £5 million ($7.8 million), although the desired price will not be much higher for the striker that turns 32 in three-weeks time.
QUICK KICKS
Sunday Oliseh has been appointed as the new manager of Nigeria. (REPORT)
Former Brazil star Rivaldo and his son, Rivaldo Jr., each scored goals in Mogi Mirim’s 3-1 win over Macae in Brazil’s second division. (REPORT)
Napoli insist that the club will not sell Gonzalo Higuain despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. (REPORT)
Former Barcelona and current Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes is reportedly in talks over a loan move to Valencia. (REPORT)
Jamaica star Garath McCleary is reportedly drawing interest from Newcastle, West Brom, Bournemouth and Watford. (REPORT)
—
What do you think Di Maria’s potential move to PSG? Who do you see as favorites in the Copa Libertadores? How will Sterling handle life at Manchester City?
Share your thoughts below.
Vamos River!!!! “Mira…mira…mira..toma una foto..”..jaja
Absolutely love this chant!
Manchester United still needs a solid forward. Someone tell Van Gaal about Jordan Morris exists. 😉
*that
Man Utd still have Wayne Rooney who is still a 20+ a year scorer when played upfront alone.
But Anthony… Jordan Morris is a younger, better-looking Rooney. 😉