Manchester United dealt transfer blow as top target prefers move to La Liga club - Reports
Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat reportedly prefers a move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
According to SPORT, the Fiorentina midfielder is leaning towards a move to Atletico. He reckons Diego Simeone's style of play would suit his game best in what could be a massive blow for United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester United boss has been keen to reunite with Amrabat at Old Trafford. He previously coached the Morrocan midfielder at Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.
The Red Devils are yet to make an offer for the 26-year-old, but their interest in him is well-documented. There were claims only a few days ago that Amrabat wanted to leave Fiorentina and join Ten Hag's side.
However, the Premier League giants have moved slowly in their pursuit of Amrabat amid the possible departure of Fred. The Brazilian is being linked with a move to Fulham after being previously wanted by Turkish giants Galatasaray, per The Daily Mail.
It should be noted that SPORT's report doesn't mention Manchester United; rather, they claim that he's more inclined to join Atleti than Barcelona. The Moroccan already knows that he can flourish in a Ten Hag team and has talked up his development under the Dutch tactician in the past.
Amrabat has enjoyed a superb past year with both club and country that has seen his stock rise as one of Europe's most admired midfielders. He starred for Fiorentina last season as they finished runners-up in both the Coppa Italia and UEFA Conference League. He featured 49 times across competitions, making one assist in holding midfield.
He also impressed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco finished fourth. They became the first African nation to reach the semifinals at the quadrennial tournament.
It's claimed that it could cost €40 million (£35 million) to sign Amrabat from the Serie A side this summer. He has a year left in his contract at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag identifies two Sofyan Amrabat alternatives
Ten Hag has two alternatives in mind should Manchester United fail to snap up Amrabat. The two midfielders who are viewed as Plan B re Leeds United's Tyler Adams and Everton's Amadou Onana, per The Daily Mail.
Both Adams, 24, and Onana, 21, have experience in the English top flight and were both involved in a relegation battle last season. Adams was part of a Leeds side that were relegated but did impress following his arrival from RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Onana's stock rose, as he was a constant positive in a dismal season for Everton despite their success in fighting relegation. The Belgian now appears to be the more likely of the two to join United if Amrabat doesn't.
Adams is reportedly on his way to Chelsea in a £20 million deal after the Blues met his relegation clause. The American is set to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours, meaning Ten Hag will have to cross him off his wishlist.