Manchester United are reportedly interested in midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina - and they have a 'hidden weapon' in order to sign him.
United have been tracking the midfielder since his impressive performances for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, for which he was named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.
Spanish media referred to Amrabat as a potential successor to Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, and Les Cules are one of the clubs linked with trying to sign the midfielder.
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According to Italian outlet La Nazione (via Sport Witness), meanwhile, United agreed personal terms with Amrabat earlier this month, prior to officially announcing the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea.
Fiorentina's asking price was reported as €30 million, although Erik ten Hag's side are yet to submit a bid.
Now, Viola News (via Sport Witness) claim that Aston Villa have enquired about signing the 25-year-old as manager Unai Emery looks to continue what has been an impressive transfer window to this point.
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But they may have to play second fiddle to United, with Ten Hag's side possessing an intriguing 'hidden weapon'.
Man Utd have 'hidden weapon' to sign Amrabat
Amrabat played under Ten Hag when the pair were together at Dutch side Utretcht, with the midfielder becoming an important part of the side in the 2016/17 season.
The Moroccan then moved to fellow Eredivisie side Feyenoord, where he spent a single season.
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He played alongside a number of the top players in Dutch football at the time, including Steven Berghuis and Tonny Vilhena.
But he also played with two players with significant links to Manchester United.
One of those was striker Robin van Persie, a 2012/13 Premier League - and Golden Boot - winner with United who was bringing his career to a close back in his homeland.
And current United left-back Tyrell Malacia was also part of the squad, making 11 appearances.
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Although Van Persie has no formal connection with United, he has appeared at Carrington on a number of occasions since Ten Hag took charge. Last December, as per the Manchester Evening News, he passed on finishing tips to Alejandro Garnacho while working on his coaching badges.
Therefore, Ten Hag may call upon his two compatriots to help to convince Amrabat of a move to Old Trafford - and add further competition to United's midfield as a result.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Aston Villa, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers