Manchester United’s pursuit of Juventus striker Paulo Dybala has taken a blow as reports emerge that the Bianconeri are set to extend their contract with the Argentinian international. Even though Dybala’s current deal with the club runs until the summer of 2020, Juventus have reportedly offered him a one-year extension which would double his present wages of £48,000-a-week, according to Italian Sports daily Tuttosport.
The Bianconeri believe the new deal will help them stave off interest from foreign clubs and subsequently keep hold of their star striker.
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The Argentinian international joined the Old Lady from Palermo in the 2015 summer transfer window for €32 million after he finished the previous season with an impressive tally of 13 goals and 10 assists. Dybala has been attracting interest, not only from Manchester United but also from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho is in the search for a long-term replacement for Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mourinho and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte are long-term admirers of the Argentinian international and they would have found themselves in a war of bids if it had come down to money.
The Red Devils are keen on bringing in a new forward during January as the club have recently struggled to score goals and Dybala would have been the perfect signing to end Mourinho’s woes, but the Manchester United manager’s attempt to secure the services of the 23-year-old will most probably be not successful.
However, it will be really interesting to see how will Juventus be able to hold on to their talisman. There were rumours that Dybala wanted to move to Barcelona to reunite with compatriot Lionel Messi. With summer recruitment Paco Alcacer struggling for form,The Spanish giants are keen on Dybala as he would provide strong backup for Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez.
Barcelona's arch rivals Real Madrid are also admirers of the Argentinian international and were rumoured they would offer Juventus a swap deal between Dybala and Columbian international, James Rodriguez.
Considering the Bianconeri’s eagerness to tie down the 23-year-old it is obvious that the club is reluctant to let him go. Dybala is considered as one of the best strikers in the continent and he has already scored 27 goals in the black and white stripes. Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti recently praised the youngster and backed him to become a Juventus legend.
"Dybala can make history at Juventus over the next ten years. He is unique, you cannot compare him to any other player,” said Ancelotti.
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