Man United issue HANDS-OFF warning to Barcelona over Angel di Maria

Posted Thursday, June 25, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED have issued a hands-off warning to Barcelona over Angel di Maria.

Spanish giants Barca are plotting a swoop for Di Maria after adding the Argentine ace to their wanted list.

But United insist Di Maria is not for sale and have told Barca to forget about signing the former Real Madrid winger.

A United source said: "The situation with Angel is quite simple. He isn't for sale and it doesn't matter who might be interested in him."

Barca are under a UEFA transfer ban which means that, even if a deal was struck this summer, he would not be allowed to play for them until next January.

But the sanction will not stop them attempting to lure Di Maria to the Nou Camp.

It is understood Barca bosses are considering testing the water with an opening £45m bid.

TARGET: Barcelona are reportedly keen on Angel di Maria

But Starsport understands United would only consider selling Di Maria if he told them he wanted to leave Old Trafford.

The United source added: "He only joined us 12 months ago and still has a big role to play in the future of the team. Obviously if he thinks otherwise then the situation could change."

Di Maria became the most expensive signing in British history last summer when he joined United from Real in a £60m deal.

But despite making a positive start to life in Manchester his season soon turned sour.

He struggled for form and fitness and failed to hold down a regular place in Louis van Gaal's starting XI.

To make matters worse his home was burgled while his family were in it, leaving him to question whether he wanted to remain at United.

TARGET: Man United could swoop for Sergio Ramos

But earlier this summer Di Maria, who is taking part in the Copa America with Argentina, insisted he wanted to stay and fight for his place under Van Gaal despite strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

One person definitely staying at United is Phil Jones, who is poised to sign a new, long-term deal.

Van Gaal is desperate to land Sergio Ramos from Real but wants to keep Jones, who is about to enter the final 12 months of his current contract at Old Trafford.

The England defender, 23, has held a series of talks with club bosses and is close to agreeing an extension until 2020.

Meanwhile, one of Ramos's representatives, Pedro Riesco, has claimed the Spanish World Cup winner is destined to leave the Bernabeu this summer.

Real president Florentino Perez has so far refused to give Ramos an improved deal and Riesco said: "I think it is unlikely Sergio will be able to stay at Real Madrid."