PSG are confident beating Manchester United to the signing of free agent Lassana Diarra.

The 32-year-old is currently without a club after having his contract mutually terminated by Al Jazira in December, and has been widely tipped to return to Europe.

ESPN says Diarra, who spoke with United before Christmas, is closing in on a move to link up with the Ligue 1 leaders.

They claim that Les Parisien boss Unai Emery has convinced sporting director Antero Henrique over the need to sign a defensive midfielder.

Question remarks still remain over Thiago Motta, who has become somewhat of a peripheral figure at Parc des Princes since turning 35 in August.