Manchester United
Premier League • England
‘It’s true’ – Man Utd preparing to snatch ‘expensive’ Liverpool target once two stars are sold
Man Utd are circling over an ‘expensive’ midfielder wanted by Liverpool, with a top source revealing who must leave before a deal ramps up.
The Red Devils are on the cusp of completing a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Personal terms have been agreed, with the 27-year-old set to pen a five-year deal that’ll also contain an option for an extra 12 months.
A second stopper is expected to arrive, with 20-year-old Zion Suzuki of Urawa Red Diamonds in United’s sights. Once Onana is banked and a back-up goalkeeper lined up, Dean Henderson’s permanent switch to Nottingham Forest will accelerate.
Elsewhere, Man Utd have added the creativity of Mason Mount to their midfield ranks. A new starting striker is wanted, but according to Fabrizio Romano, there may yet be a second addition in midfield.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed United hold interest in Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
The Moroccan, 26, plays primarily as a holding midfielder and caught the eye with a series of dominant displays at the World Cup.
Liverpool are another known to be courting Amrabat and with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson heading to Saudi Arabia, at least one and potentially two more midfielders are required at Anfield this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport recently claimed Amrabat should fetch around €30m (£25.6m) if moving this summer. Aside from Liverpool, he also has admirers in LaLiga.
But according to Romano, Man Utd could pose a threat to Jurgen Klopp’s side. To do so, they must first wrap up their business involving Onana and a new striker, as well as sell Fred and Donny van de Beek.
Fred, Van de Beek out; Amrabat in?
“It’s true that Sofyan Amrabat is one of the players being considered by Man Utd,” said Romano.
“Ten Hag knows that Amrabat is on the market. He’s an expensive midfielder because Fiorentina are always tough negotiators.
“But at the moment the understanding is Man Utd are considering Amrabat as one of the options for the midfield, but it’s not a priority.”
Romano then declared wrapping up a move for Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana is the main priority. Once that deal is delivered, attention will focus on signing a new striker, with Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund emerging as the likeliest contender at present.
Following that, and once a couple of outgoings are sanctioned, the second midfield deal will ramp up.
“Then they will decide on a second midfielder,” continued Romano. “A defensive midfielder [to follow] Mason Mount.
“Amrabat is one of the names – not the only one – they’re considering. But it will depend also on the outgoings because Fred has to leave, Galatasaray, Saudi clubs and also Fulham and more clubs in the Premier League are moving around him.
“Also Donny van de Beek has good chances to leave the club this summer. So they’re waiting for outgoings and then it’ll be time to decide on the new midfielder.”
Aside from Fred and Van de Beek, Scott McTominay too could depart in this window.