Blaise Matuidi still a Manchester United target with ace open to a Premier League move
Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery admits that he will not stand in the way of Matuidi's departure if midfielder wants out
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BLAISE MATUIDI remains firmly in Manchester United's sights with the Paris Saint-Germain ace keen on a Premier League move.
The Red Devils are trying to get a deal for fellow France ace Paul Pogba over the line and Matuidi remains a viable alternative if Juventus continue to play hardball over Pogba - with there a genuine possibility of both players joining.
According to French reports, 29-year-old Matuidi is keen on a move abroad with the Prem his preference.
New PSG boss Unai Emery has suggested that he will not stand in Matuidi's way, but it is understood that the midfield powerhouse would not come cheap.
Matuidi is banking around £170,000 a week from the Paris club and the Red Devils would have to match his pay packet to persuade a man in his prime to jump ship.
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And, speaking ahead of PSG's International Champions Cup win over Inter Milan, Emery admitted that Matuidi could be on his way from Parc des Princes.
He said: "Matuidi is a fantastic footballer and he belongs to PSG.
"We're waiting for him. He is a great footballer and logically I don't want to dispense with great footballers.
"We've spoken about how there are a lot of midfielders and that there could be a situation in a given moment that the player could leave, but of course, I as coach am behind him.
"The circumstances could change that, but in principle, it's not what I want."
Matuidi has two years left on his deal with PSG but - although the player hasn't officially requested a move - he is yet to begin talks over an extension.
Before the Euros - where hosts Les Bleus suffered the agony of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal in the final - Matuidi appeared to leave the door ajar for his exit.
He said: "I am in Paris, but it is not of what tomorrow will bring ... We do not know know what can happen."