Now that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti finally confirmed that Angel Di Maria has asked to leave the Bernebeu, everyone was expecting Manchester United to quickly announce the Argentine's arrival at Old Trafford.
However, in what appears to be a big twist, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has reportedly given up the pursuit of the former Benfica man.
According to the Express, the Dutchman has been really impressed with Adnan Januzaj, and he feels that the addition of another winger to United's squad will hamper the youngster's development.
The report further added that van Gaal is satisfied with United's attacking options consisting of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata.
This news is really strange considering that Van Gaal had earlier claimed that his squad was in need of some quality wingers.
"At this moment, we have five No.9s and four No.10s - and we don't have wingers to give us attacking width. Or, I should say, we don't have wingers of the highest level, like Ronaldo or Di Maria or somebody like that," the Dutchman had earlier told Sky Sports.
Also, they were earlier fighting tooth and nail with Paris Saint-Germain for the signature of Di Maria.
Now both clubs seem to have pulled out of the race, with PSG boss Laurent Blanc confirming that his side were forced to give up on Di Maria due to their issues with UEFA's Financial Fair Play.
"With large players like Di Maria, there are a lot of clubs behind him certainly," he told L'Equipe. "PSG cannot do what he wants in terms of recruitment [because of FFP]. This is a difficult issue, the president has confirmed to me."
However, like Blanc said, even if Manchester United don't sign him, Di Maria would have no difficulties finding a new club as he is in high demand following his good form for both club and country.
Meanwhile, van Gaal, who is reportedly looking to reinforce his central midfield, may be interested in signing Real Madrid's other wantaway player Sami Khedria.
Despite not directly asking to leave the Los Blancos like Di Maria, Ancelotti has confirmed that the German has rejected a new contract at the Bernebeu.
"It's a different situation to Di Maria. He's not asked to go. He's rejected an offer to renew, but has a year of contract. We'll see what happens," Sky Sports quoted Ancelotti.
As he has only a year remaining in his current contract at the Bernebeu, Real Madrid will be looking to get some transfer fee this summer rather than see him go on a free transfer in the next.
Due to this reason, he may be available at a cut-down price. However, the Red Devils will certainly face some competition for the German's signature as Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked to the midfielder, along with German giants Bayern Munich.
