Rumour: Real Madrid in advanced talks with Manchester United target Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti to Real Madrid?

According to the Express, Manchester United target Marco Verratti is in talks with Real Madrid, as Louis van Gaal looks set to lose out on another target to the Champions League victors.

Reports surfaced on Tuesday that Real Madrid have offered another rumoured Man United target, Toni Kroos, a £4 million deal to entice him to the Bernabeu and now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Los Blancos are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Verratti.

Louis van Gaal is looking to bolster United’s central midfield and had identified Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos as his prime target. In light of Madrid’s pursuit of the Bayern Munich star, the Dutchman’s sights were re-calibrated onto Verratti.

But it appears that the La Liga outfit are poised to thwart the Red Devils for the second time in quick succession, with news that Carlo Ancelotti is holding advanced discussions with the player over a proposed move to Spain.

Madrid stepped up their interest in Verratti, part of Italy’s World Cup squad, after having given up all hope of convincing Juventus to part with Arturo Vidal.

Although United may still open talks with Verratti, it is thought that the Italy international favours a move to Madrid.