Transfer Alert: Italian giants ready to raid Man United for FAN FAVOURITE star player!
Aug 18, 2016 at 12:44 PM
Manchester United’s versatile midfielder Daley Blind is the subject of interest from Inter Milan after the Dutchman’s former Ajax boss Frank De Boer took over the reigns at the San Siro, according to a report from TransferMarketWeb.
De Boer could be reunited with the 26-year-old he managed for four years in Amsterdam before the player completed a move to Louis van Gaal’s United.
Blind could become surplus to requirements at Old Trafford when Chris Smalling returns to full fitness following the summer arrival of Eric Bailly, who has taken to his new life in Manchester like a duck to water.
Having said that, the Dutchman has started both of the Red Devils’ two competitive under new manager Jose Mourinho against Leicester City in the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday.
However, it is believed he will become the fall guy when the Englishman returns to Mourinho’s starting eleven; a squad full of midfielders further reduces Blind’s potential game time.
His former boss could offer him a way out of Old Trafford should his minutes decrease, after declaring his admiration for United’s number 17.
“I like him as a player for sure, he’s fantastic,” he said.
However, the Dutchman remained coy on the possibility of completing the transfer, believing it will be hard to convince Blind to make the switch to Italy prior to the transfer window closing on August 31st.
“He is very happy at Manchester United, though, and played in the Community Shield.
“I know his situation and I think he’s very happy and playing with confidence, but we’ll see in the future.”
De Boer admitted that he kept a close eye on the Manchester United man, as he does all of his former players, and knows exactly what he can offer.
“Of course, any of my ex-players from Ajax are guys I like to keep an eye on and watch them very closely. I do the same with (Christian) Eriksen, (Toby) Alderweireld, all of those guys. I like to follow them and I do the same with Daley.”
There are few players who can read the game better than Daley Blind can; this trait has appeared to compensate for his height as he is just 5ft 11 – smaller than the majority of defenders.
It is no surprise that Mourinho had originally appeared to doubt the Dutchman’s ability as a centre back. He certainly isn’t the typical centre back that Mourinho is used to. He is not tall or particularly strong.
In fact, Blind is one of the shortest centre backs Mourinho has ever played. However, his ability to read the game and his passing skills have been enough to secure him a place in the starting line-up ahead of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo – at least while Smalling is unavailable.