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Manchester United are in “pole position” to sign French midfielder Adrien Rabiot ahead of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Mark Brus (Give Me Sport) reveals a source “with a close understanding of the situation” has indicated Rabiot has “held talks” with United officials over a move to Old Trafford, despite similar approaches being made by “Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Galatasaray”.
Brus describes the Red Devils as “leading the race” to sign the 29-year-old midfielder who left Juventus this summer on a free transfer.
This confirms a report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this week of Rabiot rejecting Liverpool’s advances in favour of a €10 million-a-year contract at Old Trafford.
Brus contends United are negotiating a wage packet worth around €8-9 million a year, with a “signing on bonus” as well.
Earlier today, Rabiot penned a public farewell to the Old Lady, having spent the last five years in Turin.
He scored 22 goals and provided 15 assists across 212 games, helping Juventus to win one Scudetto and two Coppa Italia titles.
“After five seasons with Juventus, five years in Turin, I want to say goodbye and thank you. All of you who have been there for me. The club and all the staff. And you fans, always close and very affectionate! Thank you for everything Juventus. Goodbye and good luck,” the Frenchman wrote.
Real Madrid were another club linked with Rabiot but Football365, relaying a report from Spain, reveal Los Blancos firmly rejected the 29-year-old as club president Florentino Perez “doesn’t want him”.
It appears, therefore, United have a free run at the French midfielder, should they choose to utilise it. Yet there is a conspicuous lack of trustworthy sources reporting interest from Old Trafford, and remains to be seen whether this is simply speculative football gossip or a genuine pursuit by the club.
INEOS have reportedly sought to implement a new approach to transfers at United with an emphasis on young talent capable of becoming world-class players, rather than established stars potentially hoping for one last pay day, as Old Trafford has been a haven for in recent years.
Rabiot, at 29 and demanding a wage in the region of £200,000 a week, would certainly fall into the latter category. But he offers a profile in a position which United are in desperate need of reinforcement, on a free transfer.
It may just be enough for INEOS to find a French exception to their new rule.
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