Man United gamble on Andreas Pereira with Lazio salary deal

Probably should have happened a couple of years ago.

Andreas Pereira looks to have tied up a loan move from Manchester United to Italian giants Lazio, according to various reports. Brazilian outlet Esporte Interativo claim several conversations have been had between Pereira's representatives and Lazio, and that an 'outcome is near'. The deal would reportedly be a one year loan move with an option to buy for €27 million, significantly more than the initial €10m reported in the Italian press. Lazio had been winning to pay the €10m up-front but United are gambling on the midfielder impressing during his season in Serie A. Should Pereira prove himself in Rome, United would then hope Lazio would stump up the €27m before a rival team does. This odd show of faith in a player they are ultimately trying to offload is solidified by news that United are fully covering Pereira's €30,000 per week salary. In such a deflating market, and with his lack of game time, evaluating his value is quite difficult. But still only 24, €27m seems like a good price for United, who have brought in even more depth in midfield this summer, knocking Pereira further down the pecking order. Pereira has reportedly said yes to joining Lazio, suggesting it's just the fine details of the finances that need to be ironed out. The BBC's Simon Stone has stated the deal is 'agreed in principle'. Lazio had their eyes on David Silva earlier in the window and were convinced he was heading to the Stadio Olimpico, having bid farewell to Manchester City. But Silva had a last minute change of heart and decided to join Real Sociedad instead, reportedly choosing a return to Spain for family reasons. Pereira is undeniably a downgrade on Silva in terms of quality, but is significantly younger and could prove to be a shrewd investment if he makes a quick adaptation to Serie A.

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