Motta’s agent issues PSG new contract deadline

Paris Saint-Germain have until Friday to secure Thiago Motta’s future, according to the midfielder’s agent.

Motta, 34, has been in talks with PSG regarding a one-year contract extension for the past few months but nothing has yet materialised.

And the Italy international’s representative Alessandro Canovi says he is starting to lose patience with the Ligue 1 club as a result.

“This is the first time that I have seen so many difficulties obstruct a written agreement,” Canovi told Foot Mercato. “If on the 30th [of June] he has not renewed, it is over.

“Thiago has been available and patient. I have come four times [to Paris]. We have spoken lots but each time there are things that do not move. As far as I can see, Thiago is not a priority for PSG.”

PSG, Motta and Canovi reached an agreement at the end of the 2016-17 season for the midfielder to play on for one more campaign before taking a staff role at the Parc des Princes.

However, that deal was reached with chairman and CEO Nasser Al Khelaifi and the now departed duo of sporting director Olivier Letang and director of football Patrick Kluivert.

And since Antero Henrique took over as new sporting director at the start of June, PSG’s stance on Motta has cooled significantly.

“What I find curious is that there are so many difficulties,” Canovi said. “It might mean that they have changed their minds. They have never said that they do not want to keep Thiago but they have had six months to discuss this. There was an agreement.

“I find it truly incredible and it lacks respect towards Thiago. He has always rebuffed offers to see what he could have with PSG instead. If he has not signed by Friday, it is over. I am available to find a solution but Thiago is not in Paris.”

Canovi says Motta is still under-appreciated by PSG despite being a key component of the starting XI since his 2012 arrival from Inter Milan.

“They have not understood what a champion Thiago is,” Canovi said. “I thought I had an agreement. That was the first surprise. I find it strange to make a new deal after another contract has ended. It means they are unsure. They are active on this topic but in ‘light’ mode.

“They have failed to understand how necessary it was to speak with Thiago. He was not asking for anything. On the contrary, all he did was declare his love for the club. We will see which project will be best for Thiago. We will look at everything but only from July 1.”

Motta made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 for PSG last term and has helped them win 15 trophies since joining from Inter.