Paris St Germain boss Laurent Blanc has revealed he is confident of completing a deal to bring in Angel Di Maria from Manchester United.
The Ligue 1 champions have been heavily linked with the Argentina and ex-Real Madrid star this summer after he failed to justify his big-money transfer to Old Trafford last season.
Man United boss Louis van Gaal stated this week that he has not yet given up hope Di Maria will remain at the club next season but his opposite number in Paris seems convinced the 27-year-old will make the move amid speculation a fee of £44.8m has been agreed.
Di Maria has remained in Argentina, rather than team up with United on their pre-season tour of North America, while the deal is being negotiated.
Blanc said PSG followers need to 'be patient' but that he hopes to have news sooner rather than later.
"The matter is close to being finished," the PSG boss said. "I'm rather positive about it but, in transfers, we have seen what can happen – so as long as it's not official.
"When I tell you that, it's the truth. The most important thing is to see him in the PSG squad. But as you know, he belongs to a great club called Manchester United. Be patient!"
PSG begin the defence of their Ligue 1 crown at Lille on Friday 7th August, a game they are 4/5 to win.
Di Maria, who is still nursing a thigh injury sustained in the Copa America Final, would become PSG's third recruit of the summer following the signings of Kevin Trapp and Benjamin Stambouli.
Blanc's team are 1/7 to win the French title next season with Monaco 16/1 and Lyon 10/1.
