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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are many exciting stories from the rumour mill to read. So, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian top flight.
Manchester United to make Paulo Dybala highest-paid player in the Premier League
Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala has recently become the topic of discussion due to his potential move to Manchester United. Juventus and United are said to have reached an agreement on a Dybala-Romelu Lukaku swap deal. However, numerous reports state that Dybala is yet to be convinced to move to the Premier League.
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The former Palermo star is set to meet with new Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri to discuss his future at the club. Dybala endured a poor 2018/19 season, bagging just 5 goals from 30 league appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo's presence is said to have affected his form. Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri also benched the 25-year-old at times due to the player's noticeable decline. According to a recent report, Dybala's representatives have held talks with United and want the Red Devils to pay the player £350,000 each week.
Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne is currently the league's best-paid player at $418,000 (£345,000) a week. Thus, the proposed pay packet will see Dybala overtake De Bruyne as Premier League's highest-paid player. However, Dybala will not be participating in the Champions League next season, should the transfer materializes.
Manchester United failed to secure a spot in the top 4 after finishing 4 points below 5th-placed Arsenal last season. Juventus, on the other hand, managed to claim the Serie A title in the last campaign and will play in the Champions League group stage next season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic urges Manchester United to sell Juventus target Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba's future remains uncertain despite the player being a regular in United's preseason games. Super agent Mino Raiola has made it clear that Pogba wants to leave Old Trafford. The World Cup winner has struggled to justify his price since United bought him for a record fee in 2016.
The midfielder was United's top scorer last season. However, his severe inconsistency has sparked rage among United fans. Pogba is a target for both Real Madrid and Juventus. Both Zinedine Zidane and Maurizio Sarri have revealed that they are interested in the player.
Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also urged the Red Devils to cash in on the wantaway midfielder.
"You let him go and if he wants to be somewhere else, that is where you let him go to. Use the situation and bring in somebody who wants to stay," the veteran striker said.
Ibrahimovic spent 2 seasons with the Red Devils, scoring 17 goals from 33 appearances. Sadly, his spell at United was cut short due to severe injury.
Paulo Fonseca wants Roma to sign a centre back, hints at Dzeko stay
Edin Dzeko has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan. Inter are set to miss out on Romelu Lukaku after Juventus entered the race to sign the Manchester United forward. Thus, Inter are expected to push for the Bosnian forward. Dzeko has been impressive since he joined Roma. He became Serie A top scorer in the 2016/17, scoring 29 goals.
The 33-year-old managed to bag just 9 goals last season. However, many still regard him as a valuable striker. AS Roma new boss Paulo Fonseca revealed that the former Manchester City striker has given no sign of wanting to leave his current club despite Inter's interest. The former Shakhtar boss stated that he is happy with the team's performance, and he wanted Roma to sign a new defender.
“Dzeko is here with us, and he is our player. I can say he has worked very well and I saw no signs suggesting he’s distant from us,” said the Coach in his press conference.
“At this moment, we are clearly missing a centre back. We have two forwards, Dzeko and Patrik Schick, so the priority on the transfer market must be signing a central defender," Fonseca said.
Simone Verdi's agent denies Torino agreement
Simone Verdi struggled to earn game under Carlo Ancelotti, managing to start just 9 league games. The Italian player was successful at Bologna and managed to amass 34 starts in the 2017/18 season. However, his future has been uncertain after Napoli bought him for €25 million in 2018.
Fellow Serie A club Torino have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old and are said to be willing to pay €20 million. However, Verdi's agent Donato Orgnoni revealed that there is no agreement or a meeting with Torino. Orgoni also stated that he is uncertain whether Verdi will remain at Napoli.
“There is no agreement with Torino and no meetings planned with the Granata directors,” the agent said.
“We are just waiting for news from Napoli. There’s no guarantee he is staying with Napoli, but we don’t know if he’s leaving either.
“It has been a good pre-season for Simone, as he is working hard, training with intensity and his performances in the friendlies reflected that.
Adam Ounas uncertain over future
Adam Ounas impressed in the Africa Cup of Nations, contributing three goals and an assist in 3 appearances. However, he endured a difficult season at Napoli last season, appearing just six times as a starter. Carlo Ancelotti played him sporadically in various positions.
French club Lille remain keen on the 22-year-old. Ounas is expected to replace Nicolas Pepe, who has agreed to move to Arsenal. However, the player revealed that he is still uncertain about his future with the Serie A club.
“Everything depends on this transfer window,” he said.
“I could stay at Napoli, but it depends on what they want to do with me. We’ll see what happens. For now, I’m a Napoli player.
“I played at Tours for ten years then two seasons at FC Ouest-Tourangeau, before spending 16 years at Bordeaux.
“I’ve been in Italy for two years now, and I hope to stay at this level for a long time to come.”
