Manchester United round-up: Huge blow in Perisic chase; Chelsea join race for defender; loan approach for youngster

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In bad news for Manchester United, Ivan Perisic could be set to sign a contract extension at Inter Milan. That is what sporting director Piero Ausilio told Mediaset Premium as he claimed that the Croatian could sign a new deal beyond his existing contract which is set to run until 2020.

The Croatian has been United’s top target throughout the summer but the two parties appear to be no nearer to an agreement. Perisic has traveled with the Nerazzurri on their pre-season tour and seems likely to stay at the San Siro despite intense speculation linking him with a Premier League move.

Another target is believed to be Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier. However, French outlet Le10 Sport say that Chelsea have submitted a €30 million (£27 million) bid for the Ivory Coast international as they continue to look to bolster their squad ahead of a Premier League title defence.

That could ironically mean that they spend the money they have only just received from Manchester United for the sale of Nemanja Matic. With United supposedly yet to make a bid, their interest may not be quite as strong as Chelsea’s or they had better act quickly to bring Aurier to Old Trafford.

If Aurier does arrive, it would likely only encourage a potential loan exit for young defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The Sun say that Crystal Palace are considering a loan bid for the Dutchman as an alternative to Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, with Fosu-Mensah an ideal candidate given his versatility.

The 19-year-old can play anywhere across the back four and has also got plenty of experience in a holding midfield role. His compatriot, Frank de Boer, could now try to take him to Selhurst Park. It is not yet clear how open Jose Mourinho may be to the proposal if the Eagles do make a formal offer for the teenager.