Manchester United are being claimed to have ‘intensified contact’ with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat over the weekend.
With a gruelling season now officially over – and with movement finally expected regarding the takeover – do not be surprised to see a flurry of activity over the coming weeks as Erik ten Hag prepares to kick-start the second stage of his Old Trafford rebuild.
Mason Mount has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United already (The Guardian). A deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund feels distinctly ‘do-able’ as well; the goal-hungry Dane a self-professed Red Devils fanatic.
Sport, meanwhile, report that Manchester United are ‘intensifying’ talks with one of the 2022 World Cup’s breakout stars too. Sofyan Amrabat’s agent admitted that United showed an interest back in January, and it seems they are now picking up where they left off in June.
“We received more than one offer during the winter window,” Mohammed Sinouh told Kora Plus. “Including one from Manchester United.
“But the negotiation was not completed. The president of Fiorentina (Rocco Commisso) absolutely refused to let him leave at that moment.”
Is Sofyan Amrabat on his way to Manchester United
Amrabat is likely to play his final game for Fiorentina during Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final clash with West Ham. La Viola are likely to demand around £35 million for the tough-tackling defensive midfielder, who could act as an understudy, and then potential replacement for, the outstanding-but-ageing Casemiro.
A £35 million fee makes Amrabat far more affordable than the likes of Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice and Manuel Ugarte too. All the while freeing up further funds for a top-class centre forward and a ball-playing goalkeeper.
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“The future? At the moment we have no offers for the summer,” Sinouh added. “But Fiorentina will listen to the offers. It’s a promise we got from the president after he rejected the offers in the winter transfer market.”
United face serious competition from Barcelona; Xavi admitting that a replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets is his number one priority.
The Barca boss seems unconvinced about Wolves’ Ruben Neves, and will have to accept defeat in his pursuit of Martin Zubimendi with the Real Sociedad enforcer keen to stay in San Sebastian.