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According to a recent reports from Mark Ogden on ESPN, as well as from journalist Duncan Castles, Nemanja Matić was the subject of a player-plus-cash deal from Internazionale. The Serie A giants reportedly offered the amusing sum of £10 million plus Radja Nainggolan, which was rejected out of hand by Manchester United. Matić is aware of the interest in his services, and has requested talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his future. Inter’s city rivals AC Milan are said to be interested in signing the midfielder as well.
Manchester United have rejected an offer from Internazionale of cash plus from Radja Nainggolan for Nemanja Matic.
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) July 10, 2019
AC Milan also interested in the Serbia international. https://t.co/MSyilOWaWV pic.twitter.com/AhyyxMPdqz
Inter’s eyes seem to be bigger than their wallet. The Italian club is also reportedly in negotiations for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, but are only willing to offer an initial loan. Their reported offer for Matić is similarly unacceptable, particularly with the inclusion of Nainggolan. If United wanted a once-dominant central midfielder who is now years past his best, they would just keep the one they already have.
There’s no doubt that United need to upgrade on Matić in holding midfield; his legs are gone, and his lack of mobility hurt the team frequently last season, both in the center of the park, and by leaving the center-backs exposed. But Nainggolan is no better, and there’s no point weakening the squad further before reinforcements are brought in.