Agent Reveals Fresh Manchester United Interest in Serie A Schemer

Manchester United feature on a list of clubs interested in signing Bologna midfielder Saphir Taider, according to the player's agent.

The French-born Algerian international has attracted the attention of clubs across Europe with his performances last season with Inter Milan also reportedly keen on signing the 21-year-old.

Taider's agent George Atangana has stressed that a player of his client's calibre is well overdue a pay rise after playing an integral role in a Bologna side that finished 13<sup>th last season, and appears happy to use the midfielder's burgeoning reputation across Europe as an effective bargaining chip as he aims to secure a better contract for Taider.

"I have not heard from Inter but have been in touch with other clubs but told them to speak directly with Bologna," Atangana told Corriere di Bologna.

"Saphir spits blood when he plays and works so hard but needs to be treated with the proper respect and I believe in football you should be paid in relation to your performances.

"Everyone knows how much the player is worth, he works so hard and is key to Bologna's play and other players at Bologna have had adjustments to their salaries but nothing for him.

"If the club value him at €18m then why do they pay him as if he is worth nothing? He deserves more money and I would not be doing my job properly if I did not ask Bologna to improve his agreement and if a club like Manchester United is interested then you have to give him what he deserves if you want him to stay."

United have already explored the Italian market as they aim to improve their midfield options ahead of the new season. Having been told by Barcelona that the club will continue to reject bids for Cesc Fabregas, David Moyes has reportedly turned his attention to Juventus schemer Claudio Marchisio.

But the Premier League champions may be forced to move onto yet another target after the Italy international revealed he has every intention of remaining with the Bianconeri with hopes of securing more silverware with his boyhood club.