‘Magnificient’ INEOS target has ‘virtually’ joined new club just 24 hours after United establish interest

Manchester United’s three-man midfield shortlist began circulating the transfer reports on Monday, with the Reds now poised to miss out on one target less than 24 hours later.

Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), Adrien Rabiot (free agent) and Youssouf Fofana (Monaco) are all thought to be among INEOS’ top picks to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options in the middle of the park next season.

However, they’re set to see their selection reduced to just two in the coming days, as Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Fofana is now ‘virtually a[n AC] Milan player’.

After learning of United and Atletico Madrid’s interest yesterday, Rossoneri chiefs swiftly accelerated their pursuit in order to seal an agreement before any other suitors had the chance. Fofana was already in Milan attending a friend’s wedding, while owner Gerry Cardinale arrived in the city unannounced on Monday to meet club directors and participate in a Cincoro Tequila event.

The report adds that the 25-year-old French international, who was deemed a ‘magnificent’ talent by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is expected to sign a four-year deal in the next 48-72 hours; the update was released at 11pm last night.

Milan will pay a fixed fee of £11.7 million and are still hashing out the final terms of the transfer, including add-ons and bonuses.