Are Manchester United on the brink of a £35million deal for Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic?

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Although this weekend marks the first international break of the calendar year, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is keeping himself busy by flying out to Croatia ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Ukraine in an alleged attempt to force an agreement for Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic.

The Sun, via talkSPORT, claim that Mourinho is stepping up his efforts to sign the £35 million-rated forward with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool also reportedly gaining interest in Perisic.

The Portuguese manager is reportedly meeting with Predrag Mijatovic, an agent that deals with a large amount of Balkan affairs, who is believed to be right at the centre of completing Perisic’s move from Inter.

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What could Perisic bring to Old Trafford?

Despite having the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford at his disposal, Mourinho is still insistent on strengthening his attacking options.

It would be interesting to see just how the United manager tries to fit him into his formation, but the versatility of Perisic will certainly help; his ability to play as a winger, forward or as an attacking midfielder will be one of the reasons why Mourinho is so interested in securing his signing.

The 28-year-old has a direct approach to play on the pitch – which suits the direction Mourinho’s side is heading in – and his pace is a useful asset once he’s in possession in the final third of the field.

Nine goals in Serie A this season also suggests the Croatian knows how to find the back of the net, whilst his midfield ability is proven after creating 46 chances; three of which ended up as assists.

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Will a move prove to be successful?

If Jose Mourinho’s trip to Croatia this weekend acts as a catalyst for the transfer then the United manager must have a clear vision of his team next year, with Ivan Perisic clearly an integral part.

His vast experience of Europe’s biggest leagues would initially help him settle into life at Old Trafford almost immediately, featuring over 100 times in the Bundesliga during respective spells at Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, before making over 50 appearances for current side Inter Milan in Serie A.

Perisic is known for having a fiery temper at times, which if reigned in could truly ruffle some feathers in the Premier League next season – but it’s this passion that Mourinho loves from his sides.

With a decent record in front of goal over his career to date, there’s no doubt that the Inter Milan forward is the high calibre sort of player that could help United challenge their Premier League rivals for the title next year; if Mourinho does secure the arrival of Perisic, and the Antoine Griezmann rumours come to fruition, then the foundation of a very, very strong side will begin to take shape at Old Trafford.

Mourinho’s link with Mijatovic could speed up the process this week, with the duo previously working together at Real Madrid, and United could be well on their way to securing their first summer signing.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Ai Kagou.