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Phil HaighPublished Aug 7, 2024, 9:54am|Updated Aug 7, 2024, 9:55am
Manchester United are in talks with Monaco over a move for Youssouf Fofana as they identify a string of central midfield targets.
The Red Devils are keen to add a holding midfielder to their ranks this summer, with a move for Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain proving difficult to pull off.
The Uruguay international was United’s first choice, but PSG reportedly want €60 million (£51.4m) for his signature and that is not a price the Premier League side is willing to pay.
Sky Sports report that Manchester United’s attention has turned to Fofana and ‘initial takls’ have been held with Monaco over a deal.
The France international is in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 side, which will often mean that a deal is there to be done, but Fofana will still not be cheap.
Monaco are reportedly asking for €35 million (£29.4m) for the 25-year-old, making him a significantly cheaper option than Ugarte, but still a meaningful investment.
Fofana is not the only option for the role, with the Red Devils also considering moves for a string of other options from around the globe.
Burnley’s Sander Berge, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios and last season’s loan signing from Fiorentina Sofyan Amrabat are all candidates.
While they are looking for a new midfielder, another is available for sale but a deal is proving difficult to strike with Fulham for Scott McTominay.
The Independent report that three bids have come in from the Cottagers, but none have met United’s valuation of £30m for McTominay.
The Red Devils want to get rid of a number of first team players this summer but it is not an easy task given the transfer fees they are asking for and the wages the players receive at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro and Victor Lindelof are all available for transfer and there is interest in them, but other clubs can’t or won’t match the salaries they are on in Manchester.
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