Asking price tumbles as top Man Utd midfield target pushes for Ten Hag reunion after asking to quit Serie A club

Rob McCarthy 14 Jul 2023 7:40 AM

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United’s top summer midfield target has reportedly asked to leave his current club but he will still cost the Red Devils around £25million if they pursue a deal.

It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is still chasing a new keeper, striker and central midfielder, but further United signings as are expected to come in that order – especially after David de Gea walked away on a free transfer.

Inter stopper Andre Onana remains the main name in the frame to replace the Spaniard and further talks are expected over a £47m switch.

Meanwhile, United still need a new No.9, and reports emerged on Thursday of the club trying to jump the queue to beat the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham to Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic after the price for number one target Rasmsus Hojlund went through the roof.

But in terms of Ten Hag upgrading his engine room, it appears the Red Devils have been given a lift in their chase for Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat.

The Morocco international is well known to Ten Hag, with the pair having worked together during Amrabat’s breakthrough season at Utrecht in 2015.

He has since gone from strength to strength and was outstanding for his country as they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar last year. He also starred as Fiorentina reached the Europa League Conference final before a heartbreaking loss to West Ham.

United are not the only club keen on the midfielder though, with Liverpool showing an interest in the past while Barcelona boss Xavi is also a known admirer.

But, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ambrabat has made it very clear that he wants to leave Fiorentina and is only knee on a move to either England or Spain.

Amrabat keen on Ten Hag reunion

The report adds that the 26-year-old wants to play in the Champions League and that he is particularly keen on a reunion with Ten Hag.

And it appears that Amrabat is now available for a lower asking price after Fiorentina got no takers at €35million (£30m).

The report adds that they have now dropped their valuation to €30m (£25.6m) but are not prepared to go any lower than that.

Fiorentina are also in a relatively strong position even though Amrabat’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, with a clause in his deal meaning they can trigger a one-year extension.

They have also already lined up his replacement in the form on Bologna star Nicolas Dominguez.

However, any move from United is only expected to take place after they have sealed the additions of a new keeper and striker.

Manchester United Sofyan Amrabat