Manchester United winger Angel di Maria close to joining Paris Saint-Germain

Manchester United winger Angel di Maria is edging closer to joining Paris Saint-Germain after manager Laurent Blanc said talks between the two clubs are close to completion. Di Maria has not played for United during pre-season and did not join up with the Premier League side during their summer tour – to the dismay of manager Louis van Gaal.

The Guardian reported on 27 July that PSG had bid £28.5m ($42.55m) for the Argentina international, who endured a difficult first season with United, and Blanc believes a resolution is close. "No negotiations are in tandem and as Manchester United and PSG are two really big clubs the negotiations can be difficult, but we are close to the end," he said after PSG's 2-0 pre-season win over United, according to Sky Sports.

In 20 Premier League starts for United last season, Di Maria scored three goals and made 10 assists, but his form tailed off towards the end of the campaign, which led to him losing his place in the side. The arrival of Memphis Depay and retention of Adnan Januzaj means Di Maria could continue to struggle for opportunities at United this year – despite joining the club for a British record fee just 12 months ago.

Speculation regarding the former Real Madrid winger's future has intensified amid Di Maria's absence on the club's pre-season tour, following the Copa America, and the mystery surrounding his current location.

"You can ask that every week but I do not answer that question," Van Gaal responded to enquires regarding Di Maria's location, according to Sky Sports. "Maybe you know [where he is], I don't know.

"Manchester United will announce something when it is already done and not when it is not done because it is a process and I have said that many, many, many times. We have to wait and see. I do not want to interfere."