Star forward Paulo Dybala would be a bargain coup for Manchester United this summer – and his wife could help with pulling off a transfer.
Roma are seemingly open to the idea of selling their World Cup-winner this summer, with only one year remaining on his contract in Italy's capital. That could be of interest to United boss Erik ten Hag, who is set to start the Premier League season without injured Rasmus Hojlund, while summer signing Joshua Zirkzee is still getting back to full fitness.
It may also interest the Red Devils to learn Saudi Arabia seemingly won't be in competition for the player's signature. That's after Gazzetta dello Sport reported Dybala's wife - the model and actress, Oriana Sabatini - isn't interested in uprooting their lives for a completely new culture in the Middle East.
Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah reportedly made an offer to sign Dybala when the £10million release clause in his contract was still valid in July. The Giallorossi are back in full control of any sale now that deadline has passed, meaning United have already missed their chance at maximum value for a player who's reportedly been on their radar for years.
Dybala, 30, has enjoyed moderate success at Roma after scoring 34 goals across 77 appearances for the club. And manager Daniele De Rossi acknowledged sales are very plausible following a pre-season clash against Everton on English soil.
“Surely we have too many players, I had 31 at St. George’s Park," club legend De Rossi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Some players will leave and play elsewhere, like in other Serie A clubs. You can’t work well with 31 players. If somebody goes, then we’ll focus on new signings.”
Roma's need to trim their ranks could also play in United's favour should Ten Hag deem it necessary to add more attacking reinforcements. Hojlund, 21, is set to be out until mid-September following injury on the club's summer tour of the US, while new man Zirkzee featured only sparingly in pre-season.
"Those who came to England are all Roma players, then we’ll see what happens," he continued. "This is true not only for Dybala but for everyone. When I was asked if there were players who should stay at all costs, I said no. Whoever wants to leave is free to do it.”
Those comments suggest former Juventus and Palermo forward Dybala will be granted an exit from the club should he want one and a club meets their payment expectations. And with Saudi seemingly out of the picture, genuine competition for the player's signature could be hard to come by.