Transfer news: Angel Di Maria arrives for Manchester United medical
Argentina winger Angel di Maria has arrived at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex to complete a British record £59.7million transfer from Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old flew in from Spain on Monday night and will undergo a medical on Tuesday before signing a long-term contract to join Louis van Gaal’s side.
It will complete a deal that smashes the previous British transfer record of £50million paid by Chelsea to Liverpool for Fernando Torres in 2011.
Sky Sports’ journalist and Spanish football expert Guillem Balague broke the news on Saturday that United had moved for Di Maria after the player told Real Madrid he wished to leave the club this summer.
United moved swiftly and directly for his services to such an extent that it was even agreed in advance he would wear the club’s number seven shirt – worn by the likes of David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Bryan Robson.
After United disappointingly drew away to Sunderland on Sunday, boss Van Gaal remained silent on the transfer but it later emerged Di Maria was to arrive in Manchester the following day to finalise his personal terms.
And on Monday Night Football, former Reds defender and Sky Sports’ football expert Gary Neville said it was a great piece of business for the club.
“This fits the bill if they can get him,” he said. "It’s good business. United just need to get the right players in and this one is.
“He'll get pace into the game and get from box to box. He’s the right signing. You could argue they need other players in other areas but they definitely need a wide player.
"The fans say a central midfielder or a centre-back is needed more, but I don't see any difference with a winger in that they need all three. This is the first part of that.”
Is the reported £60m fee for Angel di Maria...