PSG manager Laurent Blanc hopeful of retaining midfielder Thiago Motta

Laurent Blanc is confident that Paris Saint-Germain will be an even stronger force in Europe this season after they eased to a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Gazelec Ajaccio.

PSG possess a wealth of options in centre-midfield with Motta facing competition for a place in the starting XI from Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore and new signing Benjamin Stambouli.

The Italy global has been linked with the Nerazzurri throughout the summer, although Atletico Madrid and Milan are also believed to be interested. The transfer window is open.

“I know my importance within the squad, although I may be wrong, so too maybe PSG’s management, but we have to find an agreement, for the sake of PSG”.

“I respect the words of the President [Nasser Al-Khelaifi] but I don’t agree, I say that until August 31 I’m open to everything, as with the rest of the market. We’re going to see – I’m open to every situation”.

The 32-year-old has been a regular fixture in the first-team over the past two seasons, making 59 league appearances and scoring three goals in the process.

A report by Turkish-football suggests that Besiktas could be set to make a move for the Brazilian.