Man Utd target REJECTS Liverpool as transfer edges closer

Tom Weber

Updated: 25 Jul 2023 16:52 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Sofyan Amrabat has rejected a move to Liverpool as he is keen on signing for Man Utd, according to Italian media.

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The Morrocan is one of the most sought-after players in Europe after impressing with his country and Fiorentina last term, leading them to the World Cup semi-final and the UEFA Conference League final, respectively.

Manchester United's interest in the player has been established for some time; indeed, FootballTransfers exclusively broke the news that Amrabat would be the Red Devils' transfer priority once they managed to strike deals for Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund - a line of reporting that has since been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

READ: Man Utd identify Rasmus Hojlund alternative after fee issues

United are far from his only admirers, however. Barcelona were at one point said to be interested in the 26-year-old, but they could not afford to pursue him. In recent days, Liverpool have made concrete moves for Amrabat - but the player has now rebuffed Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

Amrabat wants United

That's according to Corriere della Sera, who claim that the Moroccan is keen on a Premier League move but not to Liverpool. He wants to join Manchester United instead.

Indeed, Erik ten Hag and company are reportedly making good progress in the Amrabat talks, but they are baulking at Fiorentina's asking price given that they are operating on a shoestring budget following the acquisitions of Mason Mount and Onana. "Fiorentina are asking for €30 million, the Red Devils would like to get a discount or wait to make some sales first," writes Corriere.

READ: Man Utd DROP interest in long-time target

Despite this, a deal is expected to be struck eventually as United are, at this point in the time, the only suitor left with a credible chance of landing him. Fiorentina, too, fully expect to sell their star midfielder this summer and he is no longer considered part of the project in Florence.