Manchester United is reportedly close to acquiring Angel Di Maria after striking an agreement with Real Madrid, confirming previous rumors that the midfielder will eventually be moved before the current transfer window closes.
Initial reports indicated that Manchester United will get Di Maria for a £60 million fee, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly asking for £75 million.
While the two clubs are still negotiating for the final transfer fee, the deal is expected to be completed soon as the Argentina international has reportedly informed his teammates about the move as confirmed by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"It's not official yet, but he came to say goodbye," Ancelotti said via The Telegraph. "We gave thanks for what he has done for this club and wish him luck for the future. It is not official, but it is solved."
Ancelotti also played down speculation that there is a rift between him and Di Maria, saying that he has a good relationship with the 26-year-old, while also confirming that the midfielder was the one who asked to be moved.
"I have personally had a good relationship with him and did a fantastic job here. It was his decision to leave because the club did everything possible for him to stay by offering everything to him to stay," Ancelotti said.
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal, who has been looking to make big moves since taking over from David Moyes, declined to confirm the reported move, saying that he will not comment about it until an agreement is finalized.
"I think always the club has to announce it and when we are thinking it's the right time for a transfer then we come to you and say, 'OK, we have bought that player or the other player,' but at this time we cannot say anything," said Van Gaal in an interview after Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Sunday.
Talks about Di Maria's transfer started when Real Madrid acquired Colombian striker James Rodriguez in a lucrative deal with Monaco. Paris Saint-Germain were considered as favorites to land Di Maria, but the club did not give into the Real Madrid fee demands.
