Blaise Matuidi to Manchester United: Chelsea and Juventus join the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain star this summer
French midfielder can leave Unai Emery's side if the price is right as Red Devils face stiff competition to land his signature
MANCHESTER UNITED have been joined by Chelsea and Juventus in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, according to reports.
The midfielder remains a target for the Red Devils, even though boss Jose Mourinho is closing in on a world-record transfer for Paul Pogba.
The Special One reportedly wants to pair the French duo behind a forward line featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial.
But newspaper claims Chelsea and Juventus will go toe-to-toe for Matuidi’s signature, with PSG open to selling for anywhere between £17m and £25m.
The 29-year-old has apparently expressed a desire to move abroad after falling down Unai Emery’s pecking order due to the signing of Sevilla ace Grzegorz Krychowiak.
And new Blues boss Antonio Conte is interested in making a move despite already spending £30m on compatriot and Leicester star N’Golo Kante.
However, the report adds that Juventus are in pole position for Matuidi’s signature – ironically as a direct replacement for United target Pogba.
It’s claimed the Italians are ready to meet his £10m-a-year salary, and are hopeful of thrashing out a deal with his agent Mino Raiola – who also represents Pogba.
Juventus do not want to lose the Real Madrid target, but are ready to part ways for around £105m as Max Allegri lines up a number of targets.
Chelsea anchorman Nemanja Matic is wanted in Turin, with the Serb’s place at Stamford Bridge under threat in Conte’s new system.
Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano could potentially join former teammate and good friend Dani Alves at the Serie A champions, although Catalan chiefs are determined to keep him at the Nou Camp.
But one man nailed on for a move to Juventus is Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on the brink of completing a stunning £79m move after scoring a record-equalling 36 goals in 35 league games last season.