Man United identify SIX midfield targets with talks underway for Ligue 1 star

Man United identify SIX midfield targets with talks underway for Ligue 1 star

Manchester United  are in talks with Monaco over a move for Youssouf Fofana as they identify a string of central midfield targets.

This summer, Manchester United is eager to add a holding midfielder to its roster, as a move for Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is becoming increasingly unlikely.

The Uruguayan international was United’s top pick, but the Premier League team is reportedly unwilling to pay PSG’s asking price of €60 million (£51.4 million) for his signature.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United is now focused on Fofana, and “initial takls” have been had with Monaco to discuss a transaction.

Although a deal is usually possible because the France international is in the last year of his contract with the Ligue 1 team, Fofana will still cost a lot of money.

Monaco are reportedly asking for €35 million (£29.4m) for the 25-year-old, making him a significantly cheaper option than Ugarte, but still a meaningful investment.

Fofana is not the only option for the role, with the Red Devils also considering moves for a string of other options from around the globe.

Burnley’s Sander Berge, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios and last season’s loan signing from Fiorentina Sofyan Amrabat are all candidates.

While they are looking for a new midfielder, another is available for sale but a deal is proving difficult to strike with Fulham for Scott McTominay.

The Independent report that three bids have come in from the Cottagers, but none have met United’s valuation of £30m for McTominay.

The Red Devils want to get rid of a number of first team players this summer but it is not an easy task given the transfer fees they are asking for and the wages the players receive at Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro and Victor Lindelof are all available for transfer and there is interest in them, but other clubs can’t or won’t match the salaries they are on in Manchester