Depending on which transfer stories you believe, Ivan Perisic either is or is not on his way to Manchester United this summer. There are reports in the media over the last 14 hours to suggest that Inter Milan have rejected United’s latest bid for the Croatian winger, a £39.5 million bid, an increase on the initial £36 million bid, which has been reported by Sky Italia, reported in the United Kingdom by Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol. It is also suggested by Sky Italia, via Solhekol that Inter are holding out for £48 million for Perisic, which for a 28-year-old is a massive transfer fee, just over half a Paul Pogba. Solhekol later tweeted asking what Inter Milan were smoking, which was pretty funny, the replies were pretty lame, though.

The newspapers seem to report things a little differently though. The rumour section of The Mirror has suggested that United will make a renewed bid for Perisic, also stating that Inter will demand £48 million for the player, but in another report The Sun newspaper suggest that Perisic could well be on his way to Old Trafford this summer with Inter Milan looking to sign Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero, which has also been reported by Sky Italia. If Inter were signing a player to replace Perisic, surely that would be better being done after the Croatian left the club, not whilst the club are demanding a very high fee for the player? Of course, this news may be positive with Inter now dealing with an unsettled player, which may lead them to admit defeat in this saga.

I am sure United and Jose Mourinho will not be happy spending £48 million in a player who is considerably older than the rest of the Manchester United squad. It would hardly be the best deal of the summer, despite Perisic being the type of player Jose Mourinho is clearly looking to sign. It has been reported that Perisic has or will reject a new contract offer from Inter and that he has instructed his representatives to secure a move to Old Trafford this summer, which makes it sound like the player does not want to remain in Serie A or at Inter Milan this coming season. Manchester United’s history, playing in the Premier League and more importantly the clubs participation in the UEFA Champions League could be the major factors behind the player wishes.

The Sun also report that United are growing increasingly confident of luring the Croatian to the Theatre of Dreams this summer in a cut-price deal, but reports from much more credible sources, Sky Italia, seem to suggest this opinion that the newspaper have put out there is written to cater for what the readers want to read, not actually informing what is actually going on. Most journalists reports are based on the option of the writer, not what is actually happening and if you don’t actually look at the facts before basing your opinion, your opinion is not going to be based on fact, more fallacy. Whilst United may remain confident of luring the player for a cut-price deal, I just don’t see that happening with the £48 million demands coming from the San Siro.