Mourinho wants former Man Utd star

Tom Weber

• 10 Jul 2023 21:25 BST
• 3 min read

AS Roma are interested in loaning Bayern Munich's Marcel Sabitzer, according to Italian media.

Jose Mourinho is once again said to be eyeing a move for a Manchester United player, albeit this time one who was not yet at Old Trafford during the Portuguese's two-year reign. After being linked with Fred and Scott McTominay in recent days, Marcel Sabitzer is the latest midfielder being targeted by Roma.

The Austrian spent the second half of last season on loan at United after failing to consistently break into Bayern Munich's starting eleven despite being coached by Julian Nagelsmann, who had managed to get the best out of the 29-year-old at RB Leipzig.

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It was Sabitzer's first experience of Premier League football, but he did not look out of place in Manchester. Indeed, head coach Erik ten Hag was at one point said to be keen on keeping him around beyond the summer, but this desire was not strong enough to justify matching Bayern's reported asking price given the restricted budget United are operating on.

Now, a new potential suitor has emerged.

Bayern reject Roma's approach

According to La Repubblica, Mourinho's Roma have made a first offer for Sabitzer. The report states that the Italian capital club proposed a one-year loan with an option to buy, but Bayern have rejected this bid.

The Bavarians want to sell the Austrian this summer and the new recruitment committee consisting of honorary president Uli Hoeneß, long-time former chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, president Herbert Hainer and new CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen are convinced that Sabitzer has no future at the club. According to Sport1, the feeling is mutual with the 29-year-old keen to get out.

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In fact, Bayern are believed to have now lowered their asking price to be more in line with the €15 million they initially paid to acquire his services. Besides Roma, Besiktas and even Barcelona have recently been linked with Sabitzer.