Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was in Cardiff last night to watch Real Madrid claim the European Super Cup but importantly it is reported he met with Real president, Florentino Pérez to discuss the possible transfer of Ángel Di María, who was an unused substitute. With some distance between the two clubs valuations and United still aware of interest from elsewhere, The Red Devils are pessimistic over their chances of completing a deal.

Di María was an unused substitute in last night’s 2-0 win over Sevilla and even in light of Real Madrid’s recent signings, it is unusual, under Ancelotti, that the Argentine would not feature.

If one wanted to read more into this then perhaps it is a sign that Ancelotti is preparing for life without the 26-year-old and that Real are ready to sell. However, this will not happen on the cheap.

Woodwood and Manchester United are reportedly ready to offer €50 million for Di María but with Real supposedly after nearer to €80 million this looks some way off at the moment.

United are confident that Real will lower this astronomical price but are also aware of interest from elsewhere.

Despite Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi saying, “he is too expensive for us. We have stopped negotiations” United still understand that Paris remain in the picture. The potential sales of Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi could well see them reenter the frame.

Monaco are also attributed with an interest and with their powerful financial backers and having just sold James Rodriguez to Real, they have a strong position in any potential deal.

van Gaal’s interest is obvious and Di María has already proved his worth in the system that the Dutch coach would prefer to play with Manchester United. His longing for a “world-class winger” is strong but the questions is, is it strong enough for United to back him with what would be a record-breaking fee?