‘Crucial step’ - Fabrizio Romano gives major update on Man Utd’s hopes of signing Sofyan Amrabat

Manchester United are getting closer to completing Sofyan Amrabat’s signing from Fiorentina.

The Red Devils, who have been keen to arrange a deal for months, have been negotiating with Fiorentina on deadline day, about the possibility of Amrabat joining. United's director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, has even flow to Italy to try and conclude a transfer.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, Fiorentina have agreed a deal to sign Maxime Lopez from Sassuolo, who will essentially arrive as Amrabat’s replacement at the Serie A club. The journalist described this as a ‘crucial step’ in the Moroccan completing a move to Old Trafford, and claimed in a separate tweet that Fiorentina are willing to let the player go.

Meanwhile, Italian reporter Santi Aouna claimed on Twitter that the clubs are close to agreeing a deal for Amrabat, which will be a loan with an option to buy.

Subsequent reports in Italy have claimed the player is set to undergo a medical before flying to Manchester, with the Manchester Evening News stating that a private jet is on hand to fly Amrabat from Florence.

United have wanted to reinforce in midfield throughout the entirety of the transfer window, and Amrabat’s defensive qualities have always appealed to Erik ten Hag, who worked with the 27-year-old at former club Utrecht.

Injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, plus the departure of Fred, have also hastened the need to reinforce in the middle. Scott McTominay remains the subject of interest elsewhere but looks set to stay at Old Trafford on deadline day, while several clubs have approached United about the possibility of Donny van de Beek joining.

If Amrabat is to join United, he could make his debut on Sunday at the Emirates. The Red Devils are also hopeful of adding Sergio Reguilon to their ranks before the window shuts, with the Tottenham Hotspur defender expected to arrive on loan.