AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is confident Hakan Calhanoglu is about to sign a long-term deal with the club amid reports linking him with Manchester United.
The Turkey international is coming to the end of his contract in Milan and with reports suggesting Calhanoglu could be United bound, as per The Sun, AC Milan fans were probably fearful they would lose a star player on a Bosman.
“Calha is fantastic, he is intelligent, he can move well, he knows how to attack and he knows how to connect the game,” Pioli said, as per Manchester Evening News. “He sacrifices himself.
“I want him at this level, he is a top player. I don’t think there are problems. Calha is with us and with the club. I’m sure that his will is to stay, there is a negotiation.
“The club, technical area, the player and I want the same thing, he has reached important levels and can still grow. He’s a player to be on.”
We were always doubting these reports because United’s interest did not exist beyond the reports. Now it makes sense with Calhanoglu set for a bumper contract.
United don’t need to be in the market for another playmaker type and emphasis should be put on signing a defensive midfielder. That’s why we are more inclined to believe United are interested in Ecuador international Moises Caicedo.
If Solskjaer feels United need another playmaker in the squad — should he lose both Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard — maybe he should, but right now a defensive midfielder should be priority along with a centre-back.
At least we can now tie a knot in the Hakan Calhanoglu category on the blog.
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