Paris Saint-Germain head coach Laurent Blanc believes a deal for Angel Di Maria could be close following the winger’s no-show for Manchester United’s friendly with Barcelona.

The Argentina international was expected to link up with the rest of the United squad in San Francisco this weekend having been given an extended summer break following the Copa America.

However, the 27-year-old was not aboard the plane to California amid speculation he is close to finalising a move to Paris.

United boss Louis van Gaal claims he is in the dark as to why Di Maria missed his flight, while the Red Devils have refused to comment on speculation regarding his future.

“I have heard he is not on the plane. I cannot say anything. He was not on the plane,” said Van Gaal.

French champions PSG are also in the United States at the moment as part of their pre-season build-up, losing to Chelsea on penalties in North Carolina on Saturday night.

Blanc has now claimed that instead of joining up with United Stateside, it could be the Parisians he meets when he does eventually make the trip across the Atlantic.

“He (Di Maria) will surely come to the United States, but with which team?” said Blanc. “He plays for Manchester United at the moment and I hope that if that changes, it will be that he comes to us. We have to have patience a little longer.

“It’s not easy, between two big clubs. The outcome is very close, in my opinion.”

United did not appear to miss their record signing on Saturday as they were able to beat Spanish and European champions Barcelona 3-1 as their pre-season preparations continued.

Wayne Rooney and David de Gea grabbed the headlines for United as they maintained their 100% record on their US tour with one game left to play, against PSG in Chicago on Wednesday.

Off the back of their strong pre-season, United are at 6.00 to win the Premier League, with defending champions Chelsea 2.50.