Wantaway di Maria hands in transfer request
It's official - Angel di Maria wants to leave Real Madrid.
The classy Argentine winger has been persistently linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu over the summer, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) among his suitors.
Despite starring for his club as they went on to lift the Champions League trophy last season alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, di Maria has been knocked further down Real's pecking order following the mega-money arrivals of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.
Following a summer of speculation, Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed that the 26-year-old has decided that his future lies away from the club.
Rejected offer
Speaking at a news conference, the former Chelsea and AC Milan boss said: "Di Maria asked to go in the summer and has rejected an offer from the club.
"The player has to look for a solution. If when the transfer market closes he's still here, he will work with us like last season and there will be no problem."
While Uefa financial fair play measures have seen PSG pull the plug on negotiations over buying the player this summer, the Parisians are reportedly open to a loan deal with view to making it permanent next season.
Meanwhile, United are said to be prepared to spend up to £100 million (S$208.1 million) in transfer fees and wages on the ex-Benfica man after manager Louis van Gaal expressed his enthusiasm surrounding talk over possible move.
Ancelotti also confirmed at the same press briefing that German World Cup winner and reported Arsenal target Sami Khedira could be on the move after he rejected a new contract.
Sources: PA Sport, BBC
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now