Manchester United reportedly approached the agents of Youssouf Fofana but there seems to be some confusion about the fee AS Monaco want for their midfielder.
United are eager to bolster their options in the middle of the park ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season hence their interest in Fofana.
The Frenchman impressed in Ligue 1 last term, drawing attention to himself and his potential availability in the summer.
Another point of attraction for Fofana is that he has entered the final 12 months of his deal with the Monégasque and considering he could be obtained as a free agent in a year, this window represents Monaco’s best chance of getting money from parting ways with him.
The player previously mentioned that he has an agreement with his employers to allow his departure if a suitable offer is received.
Earlier this month, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Fofana has agreed personal terms over a switch to AC Milan.
This has now been corroborated by Foot Mercato. However, the news outlet explains that Milan and Monaco are still significantly apart in their valuation of the player. This has left the door open for United to pounce and Erik ten Hag’s side have already established contact with his representatives.
“The positions are now very far apart between what AC Milan wants to put in and what the club from the Principality expects. Monaco want to maximize on Youssouf Fofana’s very good last season and also his great appearances with the Blues to get the biggest envelope. In this sense, the Monegasque management is asking for nearly 35 million euros to sell the French midfielder.”
“With several interested clubs, AC Milan will have to be careful of its competitors who are still as active on the Fofana file. Indeed, according to our indiscretions, Manchester United, who are in discussions with AS Monaco, have recently made contact with the player’s entourage without making a contractual offer to Youssouf Fofana.”
Foot Mercato mention that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid also want Fofana and have submitted a proposal to his agents.
Get French Football News reiterates Foot Mercato’s information that Fofana will cost any interested party nothing less than €35m.
GFFN say that Monaco will not entertain anything below the €35m mark.
Meanwhile, CaughtOffside have provided alternative pricing for the 25-year-old. The publication insists that a sum in the region of €18-20m could get a deal for the player over the line.
While this may still prove to be a bit steep for Milan, United certainly wouldn’t have too much trouble paying such an amount.
Amidst all this, the 20-time English champions remain in talks with PSG over an Old Trafford switch for Manuel Ugarte.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is another player on United’s radar.
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