Man Utd ‘convinced’ midfielder will depart ahead of bid for £35m Serie A star

Manchester United have not made an official bid for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat but are reportedly willing to negotiate a deal for the Morocco international.

Much of the focus in recent days has been on United’s successful bid to take Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to Old Trafford as a direct replacement for long-serving stopper David De Gea, who departed the club when his contract came to an end earlier this month.

The 27-year-old became Erik ten Hag’s second summer signing last week after the former Ajax manager completed a reported £60million move for Chelsea and England star Mason Mount. Further new signings are on the agenda and journalist Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on United’s interest in Amrabat.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: “Also important guys to mention about midfielders - Sofyan Amrabat. Many of you asking me about reports of a bid from Man United. From what I’m hearing, Man United have not made an official bid for Sofyan Amrabat yet.

“Because as I told you days ago, I told you here on my platforms, Sofyan Amrabat is on the list at Manchester United. They like him, they want to negotiate for Sofyan Amrabat, but they know that Fiorentina want something around €40-35m (£34-30m).”

However, Romano believes United will continue to prioritise bringing in a new striker before they consider their next move and he revealed the club are ‘convinced’ Brazilian midfielder Fred will have to depart ahead of any move for Amrabat is considered.

“So, at the moment the priority at Man United is the new striker and then, after the (Rasmus) Hojlund deal, they will focus on potentially new midfielder and new centre-back. Outgoings are crucial. Man United are convinced that Fred will leave the club and so this could be the first step, and then they can have conversations for Sofyan Amrabat.”