Real Madrid & Barcelona to battle Man Utd for key summer target

Cameron Smith

• 21 Jul 2024 15:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are set to face significant competition in their bid to sign France international Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old left Juventus upon the expiration of his contract at the end of June and he is now a free agent after opting against renewing his stay in Turin.

Rabiot has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several years and L'Equipe have reported that he remains a Man Utd target.

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

The Red Devils are eager to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, and they have already purchased Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee and Lille's Leny Yoro so far this summer.

However, Man Utd will have to battle Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Rabiot.

According to CaughtOffside, the El Clasico rivals are among the teams to have expressed an interest in signing the ex-Juventus midfielder on a Bosman deal this summer.

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The report states that Rabiot’s representatives are currently in talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Rabiot is reportedly demanding an annual salary of at least €10 million, while he is hoping to receive a three-year contract.

Man Utd’s Manuel Ugarte obstacle

FootballTransfers understands that Man Utd may struggle to purchase Manuel Ugarte on a permanent deal should Casemiro remain at the club.

The Brazil international is on a substantial salary at Old Trafford and only clubs in the Saudi Pro League are able to match his £350,000 per week wages. He will, therefore, not push for a summer move away unless a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia materialises.

Despite this, we are told Man Utd are keen to offload both Casemiro and Scott McTominay in order to fund a move for Ugarte.

We are told that PSG are open to selling Ugarte, who is valued at €70m, this summer.

The Uruguay international has already verbally agreed terms with Man Utd and is eager to join the Red Devils.