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French midfielder Adrien Rabiot is reportedly inching closer to sealing a move to Manchester United.
Rabiot saw his contract with Juventus expire last month, despite the Old Lady making an effort to keep him. He rejected their offers to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena and as a result, he is now a free agent.
The 29-year-old has been linked to United at various stages of his career. Needless to say, a switch to Old Trafford has never materialised for him.
In the summer of 2022, United came close to signing Rabiot, with former club chief John Murtough even travelling to Turin to get the transfer over the line.
An agreement was struck with Juventus but the move collapsed after the player’s agent and mother, Veronique Rabiot, demanded wages that United simply deemed too excessive. The Red Devils went on to recruit Casemiro from Real Madrid as an alternative to Rabiot.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Frenchman was offered by his representative to United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
He has also been linked to Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
It was claimed that Rabiot was no longer of interest to United, who have other midfield targets higher on their list including Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain) and Joao Neves (Benfica).
However, according to L’Equipe, the United board could return to the fray for the former Juventus man and as such, a swoop can’t be entirely ruled out.
The French newspaper notes that Rabiot and Erik ten Hag already spoke last year.
Meanwhile, journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin has revealed that Rabiot could be the next arrival at United after the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro respectively.
Collet-Gaudin wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Adrien Rabiot is getting closer to Manchester United!”
“Free from any contract since 06/30, the player prefers Man Utd to Liverpool.”
“The entourage in discussions with the 2 English clubs.”
Adrien Rabiot se rapproche de Manchester United !
Libre de tout contrat depuis le 30/06, le joueur préfère Man Utd à Liverpool.
L’entourage en discussions avec les 2 clubs anglais. pic.twitter.com/sQWlXPvsnf— Romain Collet-Gaudin (@RomainCG75) July 19, 2024
Rabiot made 31 Serie A appearances last term. In that time, he registered five goals and three assists.
