Pep Guardiola has claimed Bayern Munich are not interested in signing Manchester United’s versatile winger Angel di Maria this summer, despite recent speculation claiming otherwise.
The Bayern head coach issued a blunt “no” when asked by reporters whether he wanted to sign the Argentina international, according to talkSPORT.
Furthermore, Guardiola hinted he believes Manchester United overspent on the South American when they paid £59.7 million to Real Madrid last summer, despite admitting the Red Devils subsequently secured the services of a “great player” return.
"I don't have to watch Argentina games, because I know him and his style of playing very well," Guardiola was quoted as saying about Di Maria. "United did not pay so much money for nothing, he is a great player. Although such transfer fees are sometimes really crazy."
Bayern Munich are one of several top European clubs to have been linked with the unsettled Di Maria since the end of last season.
Bayern Munich will not be signing Di Maria
With Manchester United reportedly keen on several Bayern Munich stars - including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller - there has been talk of a potential deal involving Di Maria moving to the Allianz Arena in exchange for a Bayern player moving in the opposite direction.
But any hopes United may have had of a potential swap deal with Bayern Munich have been left in tatters by Guardiola’s latest comments.
Bayern announced the £21 million signing of Brazil international Douglas Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this week and the reigning Bundesliga champions are not expected to make too many more changes to their starting line-up between now and the start of next season.
PSG could sign Di Maria
Manchester United would prefer Di Maria to stay at Old Trafford - his performances at the Copa America in Chile this summer prove he hasn’t lost any of his talent over the past 12 months - but Louis van Gaal must have serious reservations over whether his record signing possesses the mental toughness to become a star in the Premier League.
His debut season with the Red Devils with plagued by injuries, but on the occasions he was fit to play he often flattered to deceive.
Barcelona have been linked with Di Maria, but it seems extremely unlikely the Argentine will sign for the Catalan giants, who are reportedly close to striking deals for both Paul Pogba and Arda Turan.
But Paris Saint-Germain is a real option for Di Maria, particularly after UEFA lifted the club’s Financial Fair Play restrictions.
This will allow the French champions to make a potentially huge bid for the player which Manchester United might, in turn, be tempted to accept.
Manchester United fans: should Louis van Gaal cash-in on Angel di Maria this summer? Will he ever settle at Old Trafford? Have your say by leaving a comment in the box below!
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