Man Utd reach breakthrough in Sofyan Amrabat talks with Fiorentina as 'agreement reached'

Manchester United have made a major breakthrough in talks with Fiorentina over the signing of Sofyan Amrabat, a journalist has claimed.

United have turned their attention to the 27-year-old midfielder late in the transfer window, having tracked him for much of the summer.

The Italian club turned down a loan offer from United for the Moroccan on Thursday.

The Athletic reported that the offer was for a loan deal, with Erik ten Hag's side proposing a €2 million loan fee. However, the fee would be split in half, with United only needing to pay €1 million before January with a break clause involved.

Fiorentina rejected the offer due to the guaranteed sum they were offered, and are said to prefer a permanent sale of Amrabat or a loan with an obligation to buy. The Moroccan's contract expires next summer.

However, a journalist has now claimed that United have made a significant breakthrough as the transfer deadline approaches.

Man Utd 'make major breakthrough' in Sofyan Amrabat transfer talks

According to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, Fiorentina have now agreed to make Amrabat's proposed move to United a loan - but there is a catch for Ten Hag's side.

Taking to Twitter (X), he wrote: "Sources confirm that Fiorentina have agreed to make Sofyan Amrabat's move to Manchester United a loan, but it has to have obligation to become permanent.

"Talks progressing now between clubs with personal terms already in place."

Sources confirm that Fiorentina have agreed to make Sofyan Amrabat's move to Manchester United a loan, but it has to have obligation to become permanent.

Talks progressing now between clubs with personal terms already in place. @90min_Football / @__scottsaunders

— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) August 31, 2023

The question now for United is whether they can negotiate an acceptable fee for the midfielder. Fiorentina reportedly value Amrabat at around €35 million, partially due to the 27-year-old only having one year left on his contract.

But an immediate permanent deal appears to be out of the question. They have FFP concerns and, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, only have an allowable loss of £15 million - the amount they could feasibly spend on Amrabat without needing to sell players.