Real Madrid remain very much in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti this summer.
The Italian midfield schemer has once again impressed everybody with his form this season for the prospective French Ligue One winners and has been linked with a move to several European clubs.
Manchester United were thought to be looking at the 21-year-old as well as Real Madrid.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti took Verratti to PSG two seasons ago and is keen for the Italian to join him at the Bernabeu. According to a report in Le 10 Sport, Ancelotti sees Verratti as the long term successor to former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso whose powers are on the wane.
The arrival of Yohan Cabaye from Newcastle in January as so far not affected Verratti’s place in Laurent Blanc’s side, but the expected signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus could well see him marginalised at the Parc des Princes. Ancelotti has played down his interest in Verratti as well as striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He said: “There are players that we cannot dislodge because they are very important to their team. Ibrahimovic and Verratti are very important for the PSG. ”
Read more Manchester United transfer news.