Man Utd receive major BLOW in pursuit of midfielder

Jacque Talbot
Jacque Talbot
  • Updated: 15 Aug 2024 14:32 BST
  • 4 min read
Youssouf Fofana, Monaco, 2023/24
© IMAGO

Manchester United's efforts to sign Youssouf Fofana have come crumbling down as the Frenchman has almost decided to sign for AC Milan, according to reports.

Article continues under the video

The Serie A giants want to strengthen their midfield under head coach Paulo Fonseca and now have found a great suit. Fofana had been eyed by the Red Devils but now Foot Mercato have stated the 25-year-old is nearing a move to the San Siro.

A total agreement between the two clubs has almost been reached, it is thought, and Fofana is expected in Milan in the coming days to undergo his medical before signing a contract until 2028.

FABRIZIO ROMANO TRANSFER NEWS: Felix to Chelsea ON, Arsenal PUSH for Merino, Man Utd's Ugarte DREAM

The Rossoneri offered €20 million as well as €5 million in bonuses to seal the deal for Fofana.

According to Sky Sportslast week, the Red Devils held “initial talks” over the possibility of signing the France international.

Current ETV
Player image Youssouf Fofana
Youssouf Fofana

DM (RL), M (C)

null logo

null

Youssouf Fofana
Youssouf Fofana

DM (RL), M (C)

null

null

€20M

ETV Range

€15M - €25M

Dharmersh Sheth has reported on his X: “Manchester United have held initial talks with Monaco over midfielder Youssouf Fofana. United looking at several options – including Richard Rios, Sander Berge, Martin Zubimendi and Sofyan Amrabat. Interest retained in PSG’s Manuel Ugarte – but not at prices being quoted.”

Like Manuel Ugarte, Fofana is primarily a defensive ball-winner who offers a limited amount going forward.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Man Utd remain in race for Ugarte

But FootballTransfers had revealed this week that's Ugarte who the club are hoping to bring in to Old Trafford. His current side, Paris Saint-Germain, have been resolute that they will not entertain bids below €60m.

PSG are open to offers for Manuel Ugarte
© IMAGO - PSG are open to offers for Manuel Ugarte

The Ligue 1 champions bought Ugarte only last summer for €70m and wish to see a great part of that sum returned back to them. It's believed that Ugarte is not in the plans of Luis Enrique and now the club are looking to receive offers for the 22-year-old.

Ugarte had made a huge impression in Portugal. At the time, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Chelsea were all hoping to sign the midfielder. He made the move to Paris but the transfer has not worked out as expected, with the club seeing better alternatives to suit their perfect coach's philosophy.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.