Jimmy thinks pink
BOWLER ON ‘EXCITING WEEK’ FOR LANCS /PAGE 45
NEW Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti has hinted he is willing to sell Ivan Perisic as the player pines for a transfer to United.
M.E.N. Sport understands Perisic, 28, is already preparing for a possible move to Old Trafford after Jose Mourinho identified him as the winger to strengthen the Reds’ flanks.
However, United and Inter are yet to agree a deal for the Croatia international, who could command a fee of up to £44m which would make him the third most expensive signing in United history.
Amid Perisic’s desire to join United, Spalletti has suggested he will not tolerate players who are not fully committed to the Inter cause.
“I have feelings and will try with all my strength to transfer my working method and my convictions to the team,” Spalletti said.
“That’s to Inter as a team, not as individuals. Because these players have a lot of quality, but then everyone thinks they’ve done their bit and that doesn’t work as a collective.
“Every player feels like they are owed something, whereas they need to worry about giving something. A lot. Anyone who works with me must feel totally convinced.
“Those who play here must feel they are Inter, not just a player who is at Inter. Otherwise there’s no point talking about a sense of belonging.
“The lads mustn’t think: ‘I am Candreva or Murillo, an Inter player,’ but rather ‘I am Inter!’ You need to always keep in mind the great history of this club.
“I will hammer this concept into them in every instant. If they don’t understand what it means to wear the Inter shirt, then we’ll get nowhere.”
Meanwhile, United have been tipped to sign three or four quality players this summer by former Red Dwight Yorke.
Lindelof is the only United signing so far but M.E.N. Sport understands Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata is close to joining the club.
Yorke expects more players will arrive before the start of the season in August.
He said: “It’s all about the quality that is brought in and I’m sure that Jose has got his targets like every other manager.
“I think that Manchester United being the richest club in the world, and now in the Champions League as well, things are looking pretty up.
“I believe that come the start of the season we will get three or four quality players in to make sure we are competitive enough and raring to try and win the Premier League this season.” United special: Pages 49-51