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Vidal happy to stay, says Juve boss Allegri

Manchester United's hopes of signing Arturo Vidal appear to have taken another hit with Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri saying the midfielder will stay at the club.

Louis van Gaal is reportedly keen to make Vidal his third summer signing following the arrivals of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera at Old Trafford.

However, Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte at Juventus earlier this month, has revealed Vidal is "happy" to remain in Turin.

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"I've spoken with Arturo, mainly to get to know his physical condition," Allegri said on Tuesday. "He played at the World Cup and he's not yet 100 percent after his meniscus operation. He's motivated and happy to be here, while I and the club are delighted for him to stay here at Juve.

"He's a fundamental player. In three years, he's done great things. He still needs a few more days to get back to top form, but he's in good shape. I've decided to have him follow an individual training regime to get him back to 100 percent immediately."

That was Allegri's explanation for Vidal training alone on his first day back in pre-season training, which started with a lengthy medical check rumoured by La Gazzetta dello Sport to have been ordered by United to ascertain the player's condition ahead of a potential move.

According to reports in Italy, United are prepared to offer as much as £47.5 million for a player who cost Juventus around £8.7m when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen three years ago.

Chilean newspaper El Mercurio have claimed a source close to the player said: "Arturo Vidal is to go to Manchester United. He has told his agent and they have a verbal agreement."

Earlier on Tuesday, Vidal posted a picture of himself alongside several of his Juventus team-mates, including Andrea Pirlo, having returned from a short break following the World Cup, where he helped Chile to the last 16.

The midfielder accompanied the picture with the statement that Serie A champions Juventus were "ready" for the new season.

Siamo pronti!!! pic.twitter.com/2TbKfpyySi— Arturo Vidal (@kingarturo23) July 29, 2014

Vidal's future was reportedly set to be decided on Tuesday with his agent due for talks with Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta, who reaffirmed his club's intention to keep hold of the midfielder on Monday night.

Speaking at the presentation of the Serie A fixtures for the 2014-15 season, Marotta said Vidal is not for sale amid growing speculation that United are to make an improved offer for the 27-year-old.

"We never put Arturo on the market," Marotta told reporters. "If he does not express the desire to leave, then we are proud and honoured to keep him here.

"We are not taking anything for granted, but the player has never taken any other stance than that of wanting to stay with us."

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