After all the excitement of the signings of Toni Kross and James Rodriguez, along with the impending arrival of Keylor Navas in goal, this week we start with the likely departure of one of Los Blancos’ key players from last season – Angel di Maria.
The Argentine was close to leaving last summer, but the two most recent acquisitions mean his time is likely to be up at the Santiago Bernabeu this time round. Marca and AS go with the winger on their front page as his future is in increasing doubt.
French champions PSG are still favourites to sign the 26-year-old, although di Maria is believed to growing frustrated by how long they are taking in getting together an 80 million euro package, giving Manchester United hope they can secure his services. Marca says di Maria’s sale will be biggest in Madrid’s history. AS goes with quotes from Ancelotti saying he expects the World Cup finalist to be back in training on August 5, but how long he stays beyond that is unclear – if he is still a Madrid player at that point.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo has joined up with his team mates in the USA but will train separately as he focuses on building up the strength in his knee ahead of the new season. The Portugal international was plagued with tendinitis problems at the end of last season and doesn’t want a repeat of that this time around.
Manchester United have taken a giant step forward in landing Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine has accepted an offer of £150,000-a-week to move to Old Trafford, the Daily Star reports.
Last season, Di Maria was frustrated at playing out of position for Real Madrid due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
He has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, and as well as United, has other offers from French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.
There are also two unnamed clubs in Italy who have put an offer on the table for the 26-year-old.
However, Di Maria favours a move to England as he is eager to play in the Premier League.
United will need to pay £40million to secure his services, and he will be free to sort his future out after the World Cup concludes on Sunday.
New Red Devils’ boss Louis Van Gaal has already signed Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw for a combined £60million.
Isco, Di Maria and Khedira set to leave the Bernabeau
As Madrid seek funds to replenish their bank accounts after the signing of Toni Kroos and the imminent arrival of James Rodriguez, the Daily Mail are reporting the Spanish side will let up at least three of their stars leave the club.
Isco is the first of the trio which could be on his way out of the Bernabeau. The 22-year-old has failed to make an impression at Madrid since moving form Malaga in June 2013 for £23m. The Spaniard has only made 23 starts in his first season, and will see his chances further limited with the arrival of Rodriguez.
He’s emerged as a target for Liverpool and Manchester City as both clubs seek the services of the talented playmaker. Liverpool are able to tap into the £75m that they received for Luis Suarez, which could make them favourites to sign Isco.
Angel Di Maria is also set to leave the Bernabeau after failing to agree a new contract with the club. He will also be sold as the side seek to raise funds, and has been reported to be a target for Manchester United.
The final player of the trio which will be on his way out is Sami Khedira. The £20m rated defensive midfielder has emerged as a target for Monaco after reports from the BBC claiming Arsenal have ended interest in the midfielder.
Why Di maria and not illaramendi ?