Inter winger Ivan Perisic has handed Manchester United a boost in their long-term pursuit of him by suggesting that playing in the Premier League is a dream of his.
The Croatian was identified by Jose Mourinho as the ideal player to liven up United's attack over the summer, but the Red Devils fell short with their bid for the player after a protracted transfer saga.
The 29-year-old has personally reignited rumours of his departure from Inter, however, by admitting to holding ambitions of playing in England before the end of his career.
Speaking in a press conference before Inter’s crucial Champions League clash with Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday night, Perisic said: "I have always said that [playing in the Premier League] is my dream.
"In football everything is possible, we will see in the future. Now, I'm focusing on Inter.”
The attacker was an instrumental figure in Croatia’s run to a first ever World Cup final in Russia over the summer, scoring the goal that forced extra time against England in the semi-finals, before finding the back of the net with a fine strike in the final itself to briefly level proceedings and give his country hope against France.
Perisic has two goals and two assists in Serie A so far this season, but has yet to be involved in any goals in the Champions League.
Inter go into Wednesday night’s match knowing that a draw would be enough to ensure their qualification to the knockout stages at the first time of asking after a six-year absence from the competition.
Perisic is insistent, however, that his side are not willing to risk slipping up by settling for a share of the points.
He said: “We know how to play just to win. We know that they are strong and if we play to take only one point we will lose.”
Spurs lie three points behind Inter in the group after a disappointing campaign and know that they must win to keep their faint hopes of progression alive. Confidence will be high amongst Mauricio Pochettino’s squad after winning their previous five matches in all competitions.