Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd bamboozled as Serie A giants barge into race for top Ten Hag target; £30m bid required for deal

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in action for Morocco

Juventus could reportedly hijack Manchester United’s move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets. 

The manager is keen to bring in another midfielder before the transfer window closes with Fred on the verge of joining Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Amrabat has been linked with Man Utd for some time. He is considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe and could form a formidable partnership with Casemiro this season.

Scott McTominay is also being heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford, as well as Donny van de Beek. If the duo leave, that would only increase the need for the Red Devils to bring in a new midfielder.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Man Utd are keen to use the funds generated from Fred’s impending sale to sign Amrabat this summer.

It is believed that Fiorentina would be willing to accept an offer in the region of €30-€35m (approx. £25.9m-£30.2m) for the 26-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract.

That fee would not be a problem for Man Utd. However, it now seems Juventus could scupper Ten Hag’s plan to bring in Amrabat.

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Juventus join race for Amrabat

According to Sport MediasetJuventus are ‘threatening’ Man Utd’s pursuit of Amrabat. The Serie A giants are keen to fill a hole left by Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria, who looks set to join Ligue 1 Monaco on a permanent basis for £17.25m.

In addition to the transfer fee for Zakaria, Juventus will also get a 20% cut of any future sale price.

Massimiliano Allegri is keen to put these funds to good use by bringing in Amrabat and Juventus should be able to afford his £30m (approx.) price tag.

Amrabat made 49 appearances for Fiorentina across all competitions last term and as mentioned, has gained a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.

Amrabat also gained worldwide attention after helping Morocco reach the World Cup semi-final last year, so there is certainly no doubting his quality.

Man Utd are yet to table a concrete bid for the midfielder but undoubtedly hold a serious interest in signing him.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Juventus beat them to the punch by making an opening offer for the Moroccan.

READ MORE: Mason Greenwood: Man Utd to consult three players before final decision, as Ten Hag choice emerges