Man Utd ‘in talks’ over third Serie A raid after ‘closely monitoring’ star who can partner Mount in midfield

Manchester United have held initial talks over the signing of a third player from Serie A amid their negotiations for Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, according to a journalist.

Erik ten Hag is in need of a new first-choice goalkeeper after David de Gea left Man Utd following the expiry of his contract. Ten Hag has decided on Inter’s Onana as his prime target, following the 27-year-old’s great performances last season in which he helped the Nerazzurri win both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiania and also reach the final of the Champions League.

On Saturday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed Man Utd to be ‘really close’ to signing Onana. They have already agreed personal terms with him and are getting closer to striking a deal with Inter, too.

Although, an update from Sky Sports on the situation on Monday has given Ten Hag and Man Utd some thinking to do.

The Red Devils also need a new centre-forward and are resultantly pursuing Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. After having an opening £30million bid rejected, they are expected to return with an improved £50m offer. This should be enough to reach an agreement with Atalanta.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is the third Serie A star who could swap Italy for Man Utd this summer. The 26-year-old has also been looked at by English rivals Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle, but at the moment it is Man Utd who are pushing to land him.

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Indeed, they have already agreed personal terms with Amrabat. And they were given a boost on July 4 when Barcelona were ruled out of the race.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has provided his information on Amrabat’s potential move. He claims that after monitoring the player ‘very closely’, Man Utd have held ‘first talks’ with Fiorentina to gauge whether a deal is there to be struck.

Player tipped to become ‘hot topic’ at Man Utd

Discussions between Man Utd and Fiorentina are not advanced yet, although Plettenberg states Amrabat could become a ‘hot topic’ for Ten Hag’s side later in the transfer window.

Plettenberg adds that Bayern have also put the Moroccan on their shortlist as they look to improve their midfield options. But there is ‘nothing concrete at this stage’, which means Man Utd do not have to rush into a swoop.

Man Utd have already completed one midfield signing this summer, capturing Mason Mount from Chelsea for an initial £55m, plus £5m in potential bonuses.

Ten Hag’s budget is limited, which means he will not be able to go big on a second new midfielder after Onana and Hojlund arrive. But Amrabat should fit into Man Utd’s price range as reports have suggested he may cost less than £30m.

Amrabat could form part of a new-look midfield at Old Trafford next season, alongside Mount. Signing both stars would give Ten Hag plenty of options in the position as he already has Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay available there. It is likely Fred and Donny van de Beek will depart ahead of next season, making room for Amrabat in the squad.

Meanwhile, a Man Utd player has completely ruled out one transfer, although he could still leave the club by heading elsewhere.