'Pay attention': Man Utd fancied to sign Euro 2024 midfielder who Real Madrid also want - report
Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing midfielder Adrien Rabiot whose contract with Juventus expired last month, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 9).
The Frenchman has been a long-term target for the Red Devils. The club were on the cusp of signing him from the Bianconeri two years ago before a disagreement over personal terms.
Rabiot has continued to be linked with the club and Gazzetta dello Sport today claim that the 29-year-old has never hidden his desire of moving to the Premier League.
United and Liverpool are mentioned as clubs to ‘pay attention’ to. The Euro 2024 semi-finalist could also move to La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona having taken information.
Rabiot move appears unlikely amid Manuel Ugarte pursuit
United manager Erik ten Hag was determined to sign Rabiot in the summer of 2022. The Dutchman made a personal phone call to the midfielder to persuade him over a transfer.
Rabiot looked on course to join the club for £15 million up front, but the Red Devils hierarchy refused to meet his £8.5 million per year salary demand. They were reluctant to pay him more than £6m.
The Frenchman ended up staying with the Bianconeri where he made 25 goal contributions in the last two years. He has now decided to pursue a new challenge, but United are unlikely to return for him.
Their priorities have changed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS taking control of footballing operations.
The club are likely to focus on signing players with the potential to improve. They have already recruited Joshua Zirkzee (23) and Leny Yoro (18) from Bologna and Lille respectively.
Ugarte, who is also 23 years old, appears the next priority for the club. He is a much better fit than Rabiot, considering his superior distribution and overall defensive attributes.
Rabiot is more creative than the Paris Saint-Germain man, but United should prioritise a more defensive player, who can provide solidity in front of the back four next season.
They have already agreed personal terms with Manuel Ugarte and are currently engaged in negotiations with the French champions to secure a suitable transfer agreement.
We don’t see United reviving their pursuit of Rabiot unless Ten Hag requests for another midfielder.
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