Manchester United are looking to bolster their squad with a minimum of two new midfielders before the transfer window closes on Thursday, September 1; the names on the list include both Adrien Rabiot and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Manchester United Are in Talks With Adrien Rabiot’s Agent, and He Won’t Be the Final Signing
United Will Target Lazio Star if Frenkie de Jong Pursuit Fails
I am told that while talks are underway for Manchester United to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus – one of two midfielders they want – and the transfer fee should not be an issue it may still take some a few more days for the deal to be concluded. @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) August 10, 2022
The Manchester club have reportedly already agreed a fee and are negotiating final terms with the agent of Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot, who had a direct phone call with Erik ten Hag on July 8.
An ongoing saga for United throughout the window has been their long-standing pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. De Jong was hesitant to join the Reds due to their inability to qualify for the Champions League this season, meaning the side will compete in the Europa League.
Consequently, Premier League rivals Chelsea have taken their chance to open talks with the Dutchman and have even indicated their desire to cover his salary debt as well as a fee to the Spanish side. De Jong is currently facing possible legal action regarding the terms in his contract.
Read more: Former Chelsea ‘Flop’ Could Make Shock Summer Move to Manchester United
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Could Finally Become Red Devil
According to Jason Burt of The Telegraph, United will still seek a suitable midfielder this summer even if they fail in their attempts to persuade De Jong to join.
They have been linked with Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic numerous times in recent years, but this could be the time for a deal to finally materialise between the clubs, as they have eyed the Serbian as the primary alternative target.
The 27-year-old scored and assisted a combined 22 goals in the 2021/2022 Serie A campaign, and was awarded Lazio’s Player of the Season award for the second consecutive season.
He is an experienced playmaker, able to create and defend on the pitch whilst being an imposing and dominating figure. He has one year remaining on his contract in Italy.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
Old Trafford Faced With Lacklustre Performance on Opening Day
After United’s dismal display on their opening day of the season, it’s clear that reinforcements are needed.
A 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion was the worst possible way to kickstart Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford, and the manager is keen to add to his squad as quickly as possible to ensure less embarrassing results like the team endured last season – including a 5-0 thrashing at home to Liverpool.
Manchester United have reportedly renewed their interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic 🇷🇸
🗞️ via @JBurtTelegraph pic.twitter.com/oC7SXNdCI5
— LiveScore (@livescore) August 9, 2022