Manchester United continue to be linked with Real Madrid & Barcelona target

Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 9).

The Frenchman has been a long-term target for the Red Devils. They were on the cusp of signing him from Juventus in 2022 before a disagreement over personal terms.

United continue to be linked with Rabiot who is a free agent. Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen to sign him.

Rabiot move appears unlikely amid Ugarte pursuit

United manager Erik ten Hag was determined to sign Rabiot in 2022. The Dutchman made a personal phone call to the midfielder to persuade him over a transfer.

Rabiot looked on course to join the club for £15 million, but the hierarchy refused to meet his £8.5 million per year salary demand. They were reluctant to pay him more than £6m.

The Frenchman stayed with Juventus but has now decided to pursue a new challenge. However, United are unlikely to return for him.

Their priorities have changed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking control of footballing operations.

The club are likely to focus on signing players with the potential to improve. They have already recruited Joshua Zirkzee (23) and Leny Yoro (18) from Bologna and Lille respectively.

Manuel Ugarte, who is also 23 years old, appears the next priority for the club. He is a much better fit than Rabiot, considering his superior distribution and overall defensive attributes.

Rabiot is more creative than the Paris Saint-Germain man, but United should prioritise a more defensive player, who can provide solidity in front of the back four next season.

They have already agreed personal terms with Ugarte and are currently engaged in negotiations with the French champions to secure a suitable transfer agreement.

United are unlikely to revive their pursuit of Rabiot unless Ten Hag requests another midfielder.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.