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Ivan Perisic to Man Utd suffers major setback: Inter Milan boss vows to block transfer
INTER MILAN boss Luciano Spalletti has claimed talk of Ivan Perisic joining Manchester United is over and he will now strongly oppose his transfer.
Luciano Spalletti has vowed to oppose Ivan Perisic's departure
Ivan Perisic has been linked with a move to Manchester United for weeks but a deal is yet to materialise.
The Red Devils had hoped to get the Croatia international on the cheap but both their offers have been rejected by Inter Milan.
The Serie A giants are said to be playing hardball and are insisting their £50million price-tag be met.
And Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has poured more cold water on the deal by revealing he will attempt to block the transfer.
Ivan Perisic's move to Manchester United is looking increasingly unlikely
"There was a contact a few weeks ago, then the negotiation stopped, so for me it is closed," Spalletti told Italian broadcaster Premium Sport.
"The more days that pass, the more difficult it becomes for us to find a replacement of his calibre.
"I'll strongly oppose his sale."
Spalletti seems to be taking a tougher approach as the transfer drags on as earlier this month the Inter boss was less opposed to Perisic leaving.
“He’s an important player in the team and we’re counting on him to start the new season,” Spalletti said.
“Sure, there were rumours, but the status quo is that we want to keep Perisic.
“Having said that, if someone comes in with a very difficult offer to reject, then we’ll consider that.
“But, of course, we’ll need to find a valid alternative for Perisic as well.”