Barcelona have been absolutely desperate to land Marco Verratti and had clearly identified him as a top target going into the summer transfer window.
However despite the constant links, PSG have not been budging and instead it was they who bagged one of Barcelona's prized assets when they signed Neymar for a record-breaking £198 million.
Verratti has commented on the links to Barcelona and confirmed his decision to remain at the Parc Des Princes:
And the talk is that the Italian is to be rewarded for his loyalty to PSG with a massive new contract.
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According to French outlet Journal du Dimanche, via Football Italia, the 24-year old, who recently switched agents and is now represented by super-agent Mino Raiola, is set to put pen to paper on a lucrative deal that will see his wages doubled.
Image: PA
Verratti is said to earn €6 million euros per year at present, but has reportedly been offered a much-improved salary of €12 million (£10.8 million) per year, which would make him one of PSG's top earners.
It's big money for PSG but clearly they are sound as a pound in their financial situation, and they have basically put Barcelona's interest to bed with Verratti's imminent extension.
Image: PA
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His importance to the team, as the metronome in the middle of the park, cannot be overstated, and so keeping him happy is not too far off landing Neymar in terms of PSG's priority objectives.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Barcelona, marco verratti, PSG
