Real interest in Verratti confirmed; Marseille boss reveals failed transfer targets

Real interest in Verratti confirmed

Real Madrid have attempted to sign Italian midfielder Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain, the player’s agent has revealed.

Los Blancos were believed to be hot on the trail of the Italy international, but they ultimately failed to lure him to Santiago Bernabeu, signing Toni Kroos instead.

Nevertheless, Verratti’s official representative has confirmed that Real Madrid wanted to sign his client this summer.

“Did Real Madrid attempt to recruit Marco Verratti this summer? You could say that,” agent Donato Di Campli told Sky Sport Italia.

“But, if there is no agreement with the club, we do nothing. Therefore, Marco remained in Paris.”

Marco Verratti, 21, has largely impressed since joining the Saints from Pescara, making a total of 60 Ligue 1 appearances.

Having also developed into an important player for Italy, it is only a matter of time before the youngster leaves PSG for greener pastures.

Marseille boss reveals failed transfer targets

Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa has moved to criticize the club chiefs for failing to recruit any of the 12 players he had suggested as potential reinforcements.

While seeing Mathieu Valbuena and few more squad players leave, OM have signed the likes of Alessandrini, Batshuayi, Barrada and Doria, but the new boss is far from happy with the club’s transfer policy.

Marcelo Bielsa has moved to reveal that none of his transfer targets ended up arriving at Stade Velodrome.

“The outcome of the transfer market is negative. The president made promises that he knew he couldn’t keep,” Bielsa said at a press conference on Thursday.

“None of the players joined with my approval. I proposed 12 (players) and none of them came. We wanted Stambouli or Alderweireld.”

Bielsa has, nonetheless, vowed to get the best out of the current crop of players, with his side 5/4 to defeat Evian and extend their winning run to three matches.

Monaco agree deal for Portuguese starlet

Portuguese daily newspaper A Bola has learned that Monaco have agreed to sign midfielder Gil Bastiao Dias from Sporting Braga in January.

The French giants managed to ward off competition from Manchester City to secure the signature of one of Portugal’s hottest prospects.

The 17-year-old will move to Stade Louis II as soon as the transfer window reopens in January and he will probably spend some time with the youth squad.

Gil Bastiao Dias has yet to be handed his senior debut, although he did make two substitute appearances for Sporting Braga II in the second division.

The left-footed midfielder won the Under-19 national championship with Sporting Braga last term, catching the eye of now Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim in the process.

The French giants were heavily criticized for their dealings in the summer transfer window, with star players James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao both allowed to leave.

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