?Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio appears to have poured cold water on recent suggestions that Manchester United could soon tie up a deal for star winger Ivan Perisic, flatly declaring, “It’s not happening”, upon being quizzed about the saga.

A report from The Independent earlier this week claimed that United are ‘confident’ of completing a £45m-£50m deal for Perisic, while Sky Sports have since added that the player is keen on the proposed switch to Old Trafford after his agent met with Inter for talks.

FC Internazionale v Udinese Calcio - Serie A

Sky’s update also claimed that while no agreement has been reached, United are ‘getting closer’.

Yet Ausilio’s take on the situation appears to be different. Inter are believed to have steadfastly stuck to their €55m (£48m) valuation and Ausilio’s recent comments to Sky Italia would suggest that he has now grown tired of negotiating with United.

“It’s not happening. Perisic is training with us and so far we have not taken into consideration anything that Manchester United have offered us,” the Inter director is quoted as saying.

[embedded content]

With United already having signed centre-back Victor Lindelof and striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, the club is halfway to their goal of four signings. Rumours continue to abound about a number of defensive midfield targets, while Perisic fits the brief another creative player.

United are now just days away from their first outing of pre-season ahead of Saturday’s opening tour friendly against famed MLS franchise LA Galaxy at StubHub Center. Fans will be hoping to catch a first glimpse of Lukaku in United red, while Lindelof is also in line to feature.


“>