Atletico Madrid make contact with PSG for Marco Verratti

Atletico Madrid are ramping up their efforts to sign Marco Verratti and have made direct contact with PSG over his transfer, according to L’Equipe.

Rumours of Atletico’s interest in the Italian midfielder are gaining ground, with manager Diego Simeone a huge admirer of the Les Parisiens star and determined to bring him to the Spanish capital.

No offer has been submitted to PSG, however, Verratti could be enticed by the prospect of playing for Los Rojiblancos.

With a contract running until 2026, Les Parisiens value the Euro 2020 winner at around €80 million, whereas Atletico feel the valuation is inflated and he is only worth half the price.

Provided their difficult financial situation, the Spanish giants could only proceed in the transfer talks only if there is a viable offer.

The 30-year-old, who has been a household name for PSG for a decade, is in the prime years of his career and could be a statement signing for Atletico.

With bags of experience under his belt and the status as one of the world’s best central midfielders, Atletico couldn’t ask for a better player than Verratti in their search for midfield reinforcements this summer.

Although the Italian appears to be open to trying out a new challenge, PSG’s new manager Luis Enrique could try to convince him to stay at the club as he is understood to be a big fan of Verratti.

L’Equipe also adds that Liverpool and Saudi giants Al-Hilal are also in contention for Verratti.

Al Hilal recently sent their delegates to the French capital in an attempt to persuade the Italian international, who, however, has rebuffed the offer.

The Merseysiders could miss out on Verratti because of the absence of Champions League football, the trophy that continues to evade the Italian international.