Manchester United to offer former Arsenal star deal amidst PSG interest

According to Le Parisien (in French), Manchester United will battle it out with Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint Germain for the signature of Lassana Diarra.

The midfielder joined Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates last year but has already left the club and is now a free agent, alerting the interest of a number of clubs on the continent.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a renaissance in his career in two years at Marseille to earn a recall to the France national side and was among the best middle men in his homeland as recently as last season.

Diarra has had a well travelled and illustrious career despite being a squad player for much of his early career with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid.

He’ll be hoping to secure the right move this month in a bid to gain a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.

Jose Mourinho worked with the Frenchman at Stamford Bridge for two years and went on to sign him when in charge at the Bernabeu.

His interest suggests that his faith in Anger Herrera at United is waning, while PSG are keen to sign a successor to Thiago Motta, now 35, and Diarra’s skillset would replace the Italian’s defensive work. He averaged the fourth most tackles per 90 minutes of those to make ten or more appearances in Ligue 1 last season (4.7).