Man Utd can sign ‘best midfielder in Serie A’ ahead of Liverpool as Ten Hag plots major ‘offensive’

Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Barella

Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Barella

Manchester United are being tipped to sign the ‘best midfielder’ operating in Italy before Liverpool, with Erik ten Hag reportedly planning a big ‘offensive’ for him.

Man Utd and Liverpool could both make major midfield signings this summer, but for different reasons. Ten Hag wants a top-class player to arrive at Old Trafford to partner Casemiro.

Ideally he would like to land a midfielder in the style of a number eight. He is a big fan of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, although the 25-year-old is not the only option on his radar.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are in desperate need of an overhaul in the centre of the pitch. Jurgen Klopp’s midfield has been decimated by injuries this season, while the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave on free transfers at the end of the campaign.

One player who is of interest to both Man Utd and Liverpool is Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot. The France international has run down his contract in Italy and can be signed for free this summer.

Man Utd and Liverpool both view Rabiot as an excellent potential recruit. He has been one of Juve’s best players this term, having notched 10 goals and four assists in 35 matches.

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Getting Man Utd and Liverpool even more excited is the fact that Rabiot’s ‘dream’ is to play in the Premier League.

Italian source Tutto Juve have provided an update on the player’s situation, and it makes for good reading for Man Utd supporters.

Man Utd leading Liverpool in hunt for Serie A star

It is claimed Rabiot is more likely to join Man Utd than rivals Liverpool later this year as Ten Hag is plotting an ‘offensive’ for the 28-year-old.

The Red Devils will not have to pay Juve any money in transfer fees due to Rabiot’s contract situation. Although, they will have to offer Rabiot between €10-15m (£8.7-13.1m) in signing-on bonuses.

This is a lot of money for one player to receive, but Rabiot could just be worth it. Tutto Juve describe him as ‘the best midfielder in Serie A’ amid his exceptional performances for Juve.

Rabiot has previously been criticised for his attitude. But he is showing what he is capable of and could end up arriving at Man Utd this summer to partner Casemiro.

Liverpool will be disappointed about missing out on such a good transfer opportunity. However, they do have other midfielders in their sights.

Klopp is a fan of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Eintracht Frankfurt ace Daichi Kamada. Alternatively, Liverpool may capture a top-class Brighton man.