Manchester United have made an official approach for Atletico Madrid star Arda Turan despite the player preferring the idea of a move to Chelsea, reports the Daily Mirror.
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Barcelona and PSG had also held an interest in the 28-year-old, but have decided to at least postpone any attempts at signing him as the Turkey international would prefer a move to England. However, the two Premier League sides will still have to pay close to the player’s £29.3 million release clause if they want to sign the winger, whose contract ends in 2017 [Sky Sports].
Turan, who managed three goals and six assists in 46 games during the last campaign, could be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge due to a couple of his former teammates being there. Filipe Luis and Diego Costa were signed by Jose Mourinho last summer, and even though the former is being linked away [Daily Star], the pair could make it very easy for the midfielder to settle down in London.
According to Spanish publication MARCA, Turan wants to leave the Vicente Calderon because manager Diego Simeone works him too hard. The fact that he can earn more playing elsewhere is also a draw for the former Galatasaray man. Despite this Atleti are still keen to end on good terms with a player who was vital to them while upsetting the odds to win La Liga two seasons ago.
Were the brilliant dribbler to move to the Blues, he could be a replacement for flop Juan Cuadrado. In fact, the ex-Fiorentina ace has been linked to the Rojiblancos by the Metro, so there could be a swap deal in the air. Meanwhile the Red Devils could use Turan on the right wing, where Juan Mata played out of position for much of the last campaign.
While Turan nears a move to Old Trafford, however, two of the club’s offensive stars look set for a departure from the club, with both Nani and Robin van Persie both looking to be on the brink of a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.