Manchester United linked with Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic – how likely is a move?

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Manchester United are set to step up their transfer efforts over the next few weeks as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Sky Sports report that the Europa League champions are in talks with Inter Milan about the potential signing of Ivan Perisic.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience at the highest level with Croatia, while he has played in both the Bundesliga and Serie A.

The reported fee is in excess of £36 million and it is believed that both the winger and his current club are keen on the deal.

It would provide Inter with some substantial funds that will help them meet FFP regulations, while the Croatia international would be given the chance of playing in the Champions League.

What would he add to the Manchester United squad?

Anybody that has watched Manchester United regularly this season will know that their problem has been a lack of goals. They scored only 54 goals in the Premier League, which was the lowest total managed by any side in the top seven.

There was an over-reliance on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a lack of goals coming from the midfield positions. Mourinho will know that they need to address that problem this summer and they are moving quickly to secure Perisic.

This season in Serie A, the Croatian international has averaged 1.74 key passes, 1.94 chances created and 3.37 shots per ninety minutes. These stats show that he can create chances for his team-mates, but it is his goal threat that will appeal more to Jose Mourinho.

He managed to score ten goals in the league and United would be hoping that he could contribute a similar total in England. Perisic is direct and has an eye for goal while cutting in from the left wing.

Although he thrives in the attacking half, he averages 2.34 ball recoveries per ninety minutes and his defensive contribution is another reason why United are targeting him.

At the age of 28, he should be able to hit the ground running and settle in straight away at the club. That will be important for United next season, as they can’t afford another year of transition.

There will be doubts about Perisic as he has been inconsistent for Inter and can sometimes struggle to get into games. That said, his endless running and disciplined approach make him a very good fit for Mourinho’s Manchester United.

At the price being talked about in the media, there will be many that oppose the transfer, but Mourinho is a big fan and that is all that matters.