Angel Di Maria appears to be on the brink of his long-awaited departure from Manchester United, with a move to Paris Saint-Germain looking imminent [Sky Sports].
The winger struggled during his maiden season in England, and while he contributed 10 assists, he leaves the Premier League as one of the most expensive flops in the division’s history, having cost a club record £59.7 million when he left Real Madrid last season [Mirror].
Di Maria joins the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in the departure lounge at Old Trafford, and looks unlikely to be the last player to leave the club this summer.
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Liverpool FC blog
In this article we present five players who look set to join the Argentine star in leaving Manchester this summer.
David De Gea
The 24-year-old Spain goalkeeper has long been tipped for a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Real Madrid understood to be keen on his services [Mirror].
The Bernabeu giants have lost legendary stopper Iker Casillas—who moved to FC Porto—and appear keen to sign De Gea as a replacement for the Merengues icon.
However, with both clubs unable to agree terms for the goalkeeper, it remains to be seen whether De Gea will leave this summer or see out his contract and leave on a free next summer [Marca via Independent].
Victor Valdes
The situation of another of United’s keepers—Victor Valdes—appears to be very different.
The former Barcelona star made his debut last season after being De Gea’s understudy, and might have been considered as a viable replacement for his compatriot next season should the younger man leave for Real.
However, after a public fallout with Louis van Gaal [Sky Sports], it’s hard to see a way back for the veteran at Old Trafford.
He had been tipped to move to Turkey with Antalyaspor [ESPN].
Rafael
The arrival of Matteo Darmian has reduced Rafael further to the peripheries of the squad.
Some may argue that he was surplus to requirements even more the Italian arrived, having managed only six starts in the EPL last term.
Either way, the 25-year-old’s days at Old Trafford appear to be numbered.
There has been reported interest in his services from Galatasaray [Metro], who may yet look to bring the Brazil international to Istanbul.
Jonny Evans
Van Gaal’s pursuit of a centre-back this summer—notably Sergio Ramos [Independent]—has raised questions about just how highly the Dutch coach rates his existing options in the heart of the defence.
Jonny Evans looks likely to be the fall guy should the Real Madrid defender or John Stones—another player linked to Old Trafford [Daily Mail]—join the revolution at Manchester.
The Northern Ireland defender has been linked to Everton, and may move in a potential swap deal involving Stones [Express], while both Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion have also been linked to the defender [International Business Times].
Ashley Young
Despite a revival of sorts under van Gaal last season—where Young managed five assists and two goals—the 30-year-old is rumoured to be heading for the exit door this summer.
The England wideman has courted interest from various Premier League sides, with Liverpool [Metro], Tottenham Hotspur [Express] and Newcastle United [Daily Star] all linked to his signature.
However, with wide options sparse in the Red Devils ranks, it remains to be see whether LVG will look to cash in on one of his key options to make an impact on the flanks.