Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of Marco Verratti after Paris Saint-Germain threatened to counter by going after Cristiano Ronaldo.
AS claims Verratti was wanted both by Carlo Ancelotti and his successor Rafa Benitez but Madrid ended their interest when it was made clear PSG would respond with a move for Ronaldo.
The possible exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have, it is said, freed up enough room in the French club’s budget to attract Ronaldo, and Madrid have stepped away from Verratti to avoid getting into that situation.
It was reported last week that Madrid had held talks with Verratti’s representative, a claim later denied, but AS insist contact was made quietly, and Verratti wanted the move.
With Verratti not moving to Madrid, Benitez will put his faith in Casemiro, the Brazilian just returned from a loan spell at Porto, AS add.
That will see Lucas Silva allowed to leave on loan while Asier Illarramendi will be Casemiro’s back-up, more because Madrid won’t let Illarra leave for a cut price after spending almost €40m to sign him from Real Sociedad.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez have received guarantees from Benitez, meanwhile, about their place in the squad, but the new boss has yet to make a decision on where Isco stands.
