Manchester United ‘preparing 125m euro package for di Maria’

Manchester United are prepared to spent a total of 125 million euros on Angel di Maria, according to reports.

Based on figures reported in the Daily Mail, Spanish newspaper AS says the Red Devils are set to offer 62 million euros to Real Madrid for the transfer of the Argentinean winger, who played a key role in his nation’s run to the World Cup final in the summer.

The Old Trafford club are then set to offer the 26-year-old a five-year deal worth 250,000 euros a week – putting him in the same pay bracket as Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney at the club.

United have  been linked with the attacking player throughout the summer, and their opening day Premier League defeat at home to Swansea highlighted the need for new boss Louis van Gaal to add reinforcements in the last two weeks of the transfer window. United, who finished seventh last season, have so far added Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera to their squad.

Di Maria had been attracting the interest of French champions PSG, but the Paris-based club pulled out of a deal after Real refused to allow him to go on loan for a year before being sold.

The winger, who is believed to be keen to stay in Madrid, proved his worth to the team on Saturday evening with a fine solo display against Fiorentina.