Juventus Chief Tells Manchester United Target Vidal Not for Sale

Manchester United have suffered a huge set-back in their pursuit of Arturo Vidal after Juventus General director Giuseppe Marotta claimed the midfielder was not for sale.

New United manager Louis Van Gaal has reportedly earmarked the Chilean international as his top summer target – alongside Mats Hummels and Angel Di Maria - following the arrivals of midfielder Ander Herrera and left-back Luke Shaw.

Recent reports in Chile claimed Vidal had already agreed personal terms to move to Old Trafford with the Premier League giants also in advance negotiations with Juventus over a £32m bid which would also include Patrice Evra moving the other way to Italy's Serie A.

Speculations about Vidal's move to Old Trafford increased after Antonio Conte announced his resignation as Juventus manager – with some reports making Vidal's expected exit and the lack of new additions the main reason for his departure.

However, the club's General director has quickly responded to those speculations claiming they had no intention of selling Vidal.

"Vidal is not for sale. He is one of the most important players in the squad. He is happy to be here. Many things have been written. We've never put him up for sale."

Nevertheless, Marotta hinted that indeed some big clubs like Manchester United had approached the Chilean.

"Important clubs have asked after him, but we have never sat down to talk. The player decides and yesterday Vidal showed that he is happy to continue with us," Marotta was quoted by la Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Meanwhile, Vidal himself recently claimed he will decide his future upon returning from holiday.

"I am already at a great team like Juventus. I am not thinking about where to go next. I just want to enjoy my holiday here in Chile with the people I love.We will see what happens when I get back to Italy. I will see," he said.