Manchester United are reportedly ready to “hijack” Chelsea and Arsenal’s bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
The future of the France international has been the subject of intense speculation since he refused to sign a new deal with the Paris club. The French press claim the 23-year-old has held talks with Barcelona, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea.
And according to The Sun, United have now joined the race for the “contract rebel”, with Rabiot expected to leave the Ligue 1 leaders this summer.
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£10m to sign on
The Sun says that United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is drawing up a list of targets for the summer transfer window, and has identified Rabiot as a potential replacement for his “ageing midfield”, with Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera “all getting on”.
Rabiot - who has been slammed by PSG for partying after their Champions League exit to United last week - is reportedly demanding £200,000-a-week wages to secure his loyalty, along with a £10m signing-on fee.
United are said to be “willing to pay” out, with a source telling the newspaper: “There is interest there. We are on the lookout for a midfield link player for the long-term.”
No deal for Rakitic
Meanwhile, the Daily Star says that United “have opted to step away from the idea” of signing Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona.
Why? Because Paul Pogba’s renaissance under Solskjaer means the Red Devils no longer have room in the dressing room for the 31-year-old Croatian star Rakitic.
Frenchman Pogba was close to quitting Old Trafford earlier in the season, as his relationship with Jose Mourinho deteriorated, but Solskjaer’s arrival “has revitalised the 25-year-old”, says the Star.
The club is reported to be confident that Pogba will stay put at Old Trafford if Solskjaer is given the manager’s job permanently - and that decision is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks by the United board.
Saturday 16 March fixtures and TV guide
Premier League
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United (3pm)
- Burnley vs. Leicester City (3pm)
- West Ham United vs. Huddersfield Town (3pm)
The FA Cup sixth round
- Watford vs. Crystal Palace (12.15pm, live on BT Sport 2)
- Swansea City vs. Manchester City (5.20pm, live on BT Sport 2)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (7.55pm, live on BBC One)
Sunday 17 March fixtures and TV guide
Premier League
- Fulham vs. Liverpool (2.15pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Everton vs. Chelsea (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
The FA Cup sixth round
- Millwall vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (2pm, live on BBC One)
