West Ham transfer decision could ‘open the door’ for Man Utd to beat Liverpool to £25m signing

Manchester United are interested in signing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and transfer activity elsewhere in the market could help to push through a move, according to reports.

ManchesterWorld reported last week that the Red Devils are keen on completing a deal for Amrabat, who impressed at last year’s World Cup for Morocco. However, securing the transfer of Andre Onana is the club’s main priority at this stage, followed by the potential arrival of Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. With United currently priced out of a move for key target Harry Kane, the young Dane has been identified as an alternative.

After bringing in a goalkeeper and striker, United the plan to add another midfielder. Mason Mount’s arrival has already been confirmed, but Erik ten Hag wants a more defensive option, and has identified Amrabat as a potential recruit. However, United’s incomings will be dependent on their ability to sell players this summer, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial all up for sale.

Ten Hag is also open to allowing midfielders Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek to leave, and their exits could 'open the door' for Amrabat’s arrival, as per the Daily Mail. Fred is reportedly a target for Turkish side Galatasaray, with journalist Fabrizio Romano stating United have already turned down a bid of around £4/5 million for the Brazilian.

As for McTominay, Sky Sports report that West Ham United are lining up the 26-year-old as a replacement for Declan Rice.

With the 2023/24 set to begin in less than a month, Ten Hag will hope to conclude the majority of his transfer business soon. The Dutchman had planned to make moves early in the window, but a lack of certainty surrounding budgets and the ownership situation stalled the club’s progression in the transfer market.

United’s need to move quickly in the market has also been highlighted by reported interest from Liverpool in Amrabat. The Merseyside club could look to replace Jordan Henderson and Fabinho soon, and the Mail claim they are monitoring the midfielder, who is valued at around £25 by Fiorentina.