Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

PSG targeting Andrea Berta or Antero Henrique as sporting director - source

Paris Saint-Germain want Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta or Antero Henrique -- formerly of FC Porto -- to replace Olivier Letang as sporting director, a source close to the French capital outfit has told ESPN FC.

The Frenchman resigned from his role towards the end of April and swiftly announced he had taken on a new role with Sports Invest UK, leaving director of football Patrick Kluivert to lead the project away from the pitch.

After being beaten to the Ligue 1 title by Monaco and failing to reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in five attempts -- when the objective was to go at least one better this season -- Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) have no alternative but to view this campaign as a failure.

According to the source, the response from PSG's owners was to identify Atletico transfer guru Berta as their top priority and attempt to secure him as quickly as possible -- with experienced ex-Porto man Henrique as an alternative.

Former PSG sporting director Leonardo also ruled himself out of a return to the role but this was something that was never given serious consideration by QSI because of the nature of the Brazilian's departure back in 2013.

Berta, who is Italian and has held his role in Madrid since 2013, is said to have taken discussions with Les Parisiens' Arab paymasters so far that he even went to Doha recently to meet QSI's top brass to discuss a potential move to the point where it was even expected to become official shortly after Saturday's Coupe de France final against Angers.

However, the source added that Atleti coach Diego Simeone's recent decision to stay on with Los Colchoneros -- aided by the intervention of majority owner Miguel Angel Gil Marin -- has the potential to scupper PSG's lucrative swoop.

PSG were believed to have planned to snare Berta this summer, give current tactician Unai Emery one more term -- this time backed by a strong transfer window -- before deciding whether to make a move for Simeone as their new coach.

Per the source, PSG would like to do both this summer but fear parting company with Emery would send a negative message out to potential replacements about job security at Parc des Princes and also feel the Spaniard was not aided by Letang's poor dealings last summer.

The Ligue 1 giants are said to be aware of Berta's complicated contractual situation and the fact Atletico are desperate for him to stay but are prepared to work around it. However, they are now believed to fear he is tempted to stay on at Wanda Metropolitano to continue his excellent work in tandem with El Cholo.

If the Italian transfer wizard decides to stay in the Spanish capital, the source reckons PSG will be forced to firm up their interest in Henrique instead as they view a new sporting director as crucial to their hopes of rebuilding without losing further momentum.

Although Berta is a clear first choice, Henrique is not necessarily viewed as a lesser option by QSI. His experience apparently worked in his favour during recent negotiations with the capital club in Paris and he is keen on the idea of breathing new life into the project.

According to the source, PSG want Berta to lead the regeneration of their once ambitious but now stagnant vision and hoped to have him in place over the next week or so but will turn to Henrique if the Italian decides to stay with Atletico.

Until one of those two arrives at Parc des Princes, Kluivert will be kept in place with the sole aim of pushing for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez with chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi and coach Emery also heavily involved in the chase for the in-demand Chile international.

Once Berta or Henrique arrive, the source said a decision will then be taken as to whether or not the legendary former Netherlands international leaves or is kept on but tasked with altered responsibilities from his current objectives.

Regardless of whether it is Berta, Henrique or Kluivert leading the regeneration of the PSG project, Sanchez is seen as a crucial summer addition to Emery's squad.

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