After denying Milan-linked De Paul being Atletico Madrid bound, Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino has clarified his comments on the Argentinian midfielder.
He is now standing form on the fact that a deal with Los Rojiblancos is almost done. According to his earlier comments, a host of other clubs were interested and still in the running to land De Paul because there was still a ‘considerable distance’ between the Friulians and Atleti.
Speaking to Tutti Convocati (via football-italia.net), the director has clarified his statements, confirming that ‘the deal is on a home stretch’.
“The deal is not closed yet, but it is on the home stretch. At the moment, we are still talking about a great Udinese player. It’s only right that at the age of 27 he wants to leave for a new experience and when he does, we’ll be ready to replace him,” he said.
According to various sources, Atletico are ready to pay up for €35m plus €3m in performance-related bonuses. The four-year-contract deal is €3.5m per season, with the highly-rated midfielder also having agreed personal terms of contract. Milan will have to look into another promising player, after losing Turkish attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu to the Nerrazzuri.
Hijack the deal pls
James Rodriguez fits elliots identikit perfectly…he can get past his man and can pick a pass out brilliantly…I say we go all in for this lad