French giants PSG were so unimpressed with the early season form of Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria that they attempted to offload the former Real Madrid man to China, it has emerged.
The 29-year-old started the current campaign in underwhelming fashion for the Ligue 1 side, with the club then opting to seek out the opportunity to send the player to the Chinese Super League for a lucrative big money deal.
PSG's sports management team, including former Barcelona icon Patrick Kluivert, had sounded out a move for the player following the club's humiliating 3-0 setback at Montpellier in December, report L'Equipe.
PSG attempted to offload Angel Di Maria to China during the January transfer window
Manager Unai Emery is reported to have then given his blessing to a move, with the club seeking representatives in Argentina to facilitate in harboring interest from the big names of Chinese football.
PSG are also believed to have called upon the services of super agent Jorge Mendes to assist with the matter.
Di Maria was said to be initially unaware of any potential move, and was later believed to be angry with the club for their conduct.
'Angel really did not like it,' one of the player's relatives told L'Equipe.
'He found it disrespectful,' the source added.
A move didn't materialise and Di Maria when on to star in the famous win over Barcelona
With hindsight PSG may now be extremely grateful any move did not materialise, after Di Maria flourished in the club's recent historic Champions League victory over Barcelona.
The Paris-based side pulled off an unexpected masterclass over the Catalan giants, subjecting Lionel Messi and co. to a 4-0 demolition at the Parc Des Princes.
Di Maria scored a brace on the night - which also happened to be his birthday - and was a commanding presence throughout.
The two clubs will meet again for the second leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, March 8, with Barca requiring four goals without reply just to take the tie into extra time.
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