Premier League giants Manchester United continue to be linked with Sofyan Amrabat but David Ornstein believes potential £25 million deal for the Fiorentina is not yet imminent.
If you believed reports coming out of Italy, it is only a matter of time before Sofyan Amrabat – one of the breakout stars of the 2022 Qatar World Cup – is posing for photos at Old Trafford, arm-in-arm with a beaming Erik ten Hag.
Then again, similar claims were made regarding Kim Min-Jae a couple of months ago. And we all know how that turned out; a supposedly ‘done deal’ proving to be nothing of the sort.
We can, at least, say that Manchester United do have an interest in Amrabat. Both the Moroccan’s agent and his older brother have confirmed as much; Ten Hag attempting to sign his former Utrecht enforcer in January before renewing his interest a few months later.
But David Ornstein, one of the most respected and reliable reporters around, is of the opinion that a deal for the shiny-headed, ankle-biting 26-year-old is – as things stand – still in the early stages rather than hurtling towards a conclusion.
Manchester United will need to be patient over Sofyan Amrabat
“It’s one that United are looking at. Amrabat is aware of that,” says Ornstein, The Athletic reporter speaking on FIVE UK.
“(But) I don’t think it has moved to the degree some reports suggest. I’m not aware that a deal is nearly done or agreed.
“It is one that could be acted upon on if there are departures.”
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The implication being, of course, that a deal for Amrabat will only advance once United have found a buyer for Fred and/or Scott McTominay. Fred has reportedly agreed personal terms with Turkish giants Galatasaray. But there remains a £13 million gap in the valuation of both clubs.
Alfredo Pedulla does, however, believe that Man United have already agreed personal terms with Amrabat. Determined to avoid a repeat of that sorry Frenkie de Jong saga, when United spend weeks negotiating with Barcelona only to discover that the Dutchman was not keen on joining anyway, the ‘world-class’ former Liverpool and Tottenham target Amrabat has reportedly agreed to sign a ‘multi-year contract’ worth up to £75,000-a-week.
Outgoings are still required, however, before United can accelerate their talks with Fiorentina.