Man Utd official revealed Sofyan Amrabat transfer clue as telling reaction spotted by journalist

Manchester United are not as interested in Sofyan Amrabat as has been reported, a journalist claims.

The Morocco international has been touted as a top midfield target for United this summer and at one stage it was suggested that a deal was close.

However, a new report into United's search for a new midfielder states that United are not overly enthused about the potential signing of the Fiorentina man.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News was quite blunt about United's interest, claiming the fact Amrabat is in the final year of his contract "is not a strong enough incentive" and a United official had a telling reaction to his name being mentioned in pre-season.

He also stated that if the Red Devils were so high on him, they would already have him in the ranks alongside Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.

Luckhurst wrote: "The interest in Sofyan Amrabat, also born in the Netherlands and with Eredivisie experience, is convenient.

"He is out of contract next year but that is not a strong enough incentive. A United official screwed up his face during the pre-season tour when Amrabat's name was mentioned. If United truly wanted Amrabat he would be in Manchester by now."

Sofyan Amrabat in action for Fiorentina. Image: Getty

Liverpool, who lost out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, have also been linked with Amrabat, whose agent is said to have been "given an inch and taken a mile".

Amrabat had plenty of admirers following on from a stunning World Cup campaign where he helped surprise package Morocco reach the semi-finals in Qatar.

The defensive midfielder played under Erik ten Hag at FC Utrecht between 2015 and 2017 and his brother, former Watford player Nordin, claims the two "have a good relationship".

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"From there he will see what is possible," he said prior to the Europa Conference League final.

"But I know that Ten Hag is charmed by my brother, he broke through under him and they have a good relationship, so who knows."