Manchester United could well soon have a midfield signing made, but as of now a deal has still yet to be struck with the player in question.
Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been in talks with Manchester United over a move to Old Trafford.
With United’s midfield in dire need of reinforcement, the club have turned to Rabiot as a target in the short term.
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At present United’s best options deep in midfield are Lisandro Martínez - a centre-back - and Christian Eriksen - typically a No.10 throughout his career.
Of the actual crop of midfielders in this area, Fred is United’s only viable senior option. The Brazilian showed his quality last season but is prone to mistakes at times and had one of these games against Brighton.
Everything about the deal screams panic buy at this stage, with Rabiot not having been a long term club target.
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He is also a player that, whilst useful in some games, does not make much qualitative difference to United’s midfield for the most part yet brings plenty of baggage off the field.
In spite of all this, however, the club and Ten Hag seem to be on the same page with regards to his signing.
Rabiot’s signing would not put an end to United’s summer-long pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, although should the Dutchman sign it is unlikely he will even start regularly.
At present, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, United have had a positive meeting with Rabiot’s mother & agent but are yet to agree on a salary.
The club are hoping to complete the deal in time to unveil the midfielder as a new United player early next week.
Doing so in this time would make him available for United’s showdown against arch rivals Liverpool that weekend.
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Manchester United play Brentford on Saturday in an attempt to bounce back from their opening day defeat.
It will be interesting to see how the side line up in midfield, with big changes clearly needed from the Brighton horror show.
It could also give fans an idea of where their potential new player could fit into the side upon joining the club.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Adrien Rabiot, Erik Ten Hag
