In a recent development, Manchester United are said to have initiated discussions with Monaco regarding the possible acquisition of Youssouf Fofana, who has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan this summer. The Red Devils have already secured deals for striker Joshua Zirkzee and 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro, costing around £88m combined, in the ongoing transfer window.
However, the plans of new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are far from complete. It is anticipated that the club will be looking to add a new central midfielder and another center-back before the transfer window closes. Manager Erik ten Hag’s team has been linked with a number of midfielders lately, including Adrien Rabiot, a free agent, and Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite initial interest in Ugarte, Manchester United allegedly balked at PSG’s £51m asking price and have now turned their attention to other alternatives. Sky Sports reports that the club has set its sights on Monaco’s Fofana as a potential replacement for Scott McTominay, who is rumored to be on his way to Craven Cottage this summer. Fofana, who is in the final year of his contract with Monaco, is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford.
Fofana joined Monaco from Strasbourg in 2020 and has since made 175 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing 15 assists. Meanwhile, Marco Silva’s Fulham have reportedly made two unsuccessful bids for McTominay, falling short of Manchester United’s valuation of the Scottish midfielder. The latest bid from Fulham is believed to be around £20m, but United is said to be holding out for closer to £30m.
In a separate development, it is being reported that Paris Saint-Germain has made inquiries about a potential deal for Manchester United midfielder Jadon Sancho. Talks have allegedly taken place between the two clubs, with PSG showing interest in the English winger. Sancho, who recently returned to United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, has been training with the first team and was part of the squad for the club’s pre-season tour in the US.
