Spalletti insists United’s pursuit of Perisic ‘is over’

LONDON: Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti has insisted Manchester United have not been in touch about their Croatian international Ivan Perisic.

As speculation continues to rise suggesting Jose Mourinho wants the 28-year-old to bolster his squad for the coming season, the former Zenit St Petersburg manager has emphatically denied talks have taken place.

Perisic has been involved in Inter’s summer tour of China and Singapore, giving an excellent performance in his side’s 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup — despite the uncertainty over his future.

Spalletti conceded there was interest from Old Trafford as the transfer window opened, but as there has been no concrete bid since he believes any possible transfer to be dead in the water.

He said: “Until now, there hasn’t been any important contact. There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window (but) there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over.

“It’s true as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to replace him with another player. I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes.”

Inter’s win over Bayern followed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lyon and Spalletti is feeling bullish about the forthcoming new season.

“I said in the beginning that the team had qualities that had to be shown,” he said. “That’s what we have been working on in the last couple of days.” Daily Mail