Sofyan Amrabat growing frustrated as Man Utd transfer stalls

Manchester United have a deal in place for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat but risk the transfer falling through as they struggle to offload squad players, 90min understands.

United are looking to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes with at least one new signing, and Amrabat, a star for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, has long been identified as a suitable candidate to add to the centre of the pitch. United do not have sufficient cover for Casemiro and are looking to recruit more defensive-minded players in that area.

Personal terms have been agreed with Amrabat, who turns 27 next week, and a deal has also been provisionally reached with Fiorentina for a fee in the region of £29m.

However, the transfer is conditional on United making space in their squad, and specifically their midfield, to avoid a surplus of options.

United had made it clear to Fiorentina for a number of weeks that they would need to offload two midfielders to allow them to push the move through, and while Fred’s transfer to Fenerbahce has been completed and officially announced in recent days, United want to confirm another midfielder’s departure before triggering the Amrabat transfer.

Interest in Scott McTominay was formalised by West Ham United earlier this month and a £30m bid was rejected by United, who are seeking for north of £40m. The Hammers have since signed James Ward-Prowse from Southampton. Whether they follow up their interest in unclear at present, and circumstances may change as Manchester City are advancing on the signing of Lucas Paqueta.

McTominay is understood to not have any other suitors outside of West Ham.

Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek is also on United’s list of players to offload, but the club are struggling to agree a deal with Real Sociedad. United would like a permanent deal but are yet to advance in talks, and the lack of progress is holding up the club’s plans to add players – much like how the collapse of Harry Maguire’s transfer has this week impacted on their bid for Benjamin Pavard.

Fiorentina and Amrabat are understood to be frustrated with the hold up, with the player himself putting the potential transfer to Old Trafford at the top of his priority list despite interest from other clubs over the summer. Amrabat has shunned interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus to date, while Liverpool have held interest in the past and are still looking for a ‘number six’.

Amrabat is growing agitated but United hope to make a breakthrough on Van de Beek’s departure in the coming days, opening the door for them to sign a new midfielder.