Manchester United 'need to sell up to five players' to fund Sofyan Amrabat transfer

Manchester United need to sell up to five players to help them fund a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, a report has claimed.

United manager Erik ten Hag has already added to his midfield this summer, with Mason Mount joining from Chelsea for an initial £55 million fee.

But the Dutchman is still targeting reinforcements, with Amrabat of keen interest prior to the beginning of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Morocco star wants to join United despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The Manchester Evening News claim, however, that Ten Hag's side are 'holding firm' on their valuation of the midfielder, which is just over £21 million.

They have spent heavily elsewhere too, with the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana and the impending transfer of striker Rasmus Hojlund set to take their summer spend over £150 million.

Now, a new report has claimed United will have to take drastic action to be able to afford Amrabat.

Manchester United 'need five player sales' to fund Amrabat deal

According to The Independent, United need to sell up to five first team players in order to be able to afford a move for the 23-year-old midfielder.

It is claimed he would cost a similar amount to the £50 million Southampton are demanding to sell Liverpool target Romeo Lavia - a player Ten Hag's side are also interested in.

The report names the five players as Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek, Harry Maguire, Fred and Scott McTominay.

Some of those players could be more difficult to move on than others. There is heavy interest from Real Sociedad in Van de Beek, according to the Daily Mail, while several clubs are keen on Maguire.

Williams was linked with a move to Championship side Leeds on Tuesday, but the Yorkshire club have since denied those claims.

And United reportedly want £40 million for McTominay, whose sale could effectively fund the Amrabat pursuit on its own.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham wanted to do a deal for the Scot, but were put off by the selling club's asking price. They are another club to have expressed interest in Maguire.