Manchester United ‘open talks with Adrien Rabiot over Old Trafford move’

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Adrien Rabiot’s representatives over a potential move to Old Trafford.

The French midfielder, 28, impressed for Juventus last season but his contract will expire at the end of June.

Erik ten Hag wanted to sign Rabiot, whose mother and representative Veronique is a formidable negotiator, last summer but the player’s high wage demands saw interest shelved.

But United’s manager is again considering him as a midfield option and contact has been made with Rabiot’s team, according to The Athletic.

Strengthening midfield is a priority for Ten Hag this summer. United have tabled a take-it-or-leave-it £55million third offer for Chelsea’s Mason Mount and have turned attention to Brighton’s £80m-rated Moises Caicedo.

United wanted to sign the French midfielder from Juventus last year but talks broke down

Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new season with Rabiot, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo potential options

But Rabiot may offer an alternative, or an additional given midfielders Fred, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay are all on the ‘for sale’ list this summer.

United want £20m for Van de Beek, whose time at Old Trafford has proved highly frustrating due to lack of game time and injuries.

Brazilian Fred is also valued at £20m and has attracted interest from Fulham, while United will consider offers of £40m for Scotland international McTominay.

Rabiot, who played for France in last year’s run to the World Cup final, has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League.

‘I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career,’ he said back in December. ‘I still have that desire. I’d like to evolve in the Premier League.

‘It’s the league, it’s the level of play that’s going on, that’s what attracts me most. It corresponds to my qualities.’

Rabiot is represented by his mother Veronique, who is regarded as a tough negotiator  

Manchester United are leaving their offer for Mason Mount on the table after stalled talks 

United will instead try to sign Moises Caicedo who is valued at £80million by Brighton

Juventus have offered Rabiot a one-year contract extension to prevent him departing as a free agent but the lack of transfer fee would be very attractive to United, whose summer budget has been cut to £120m because of Financial Fair Play considerations.

Their football director John Murtough flew to Turin for face-to-face talks with Veronique last year but returned empty-handed, with personal terms not agreed after Juventus accepted a £14m bid.

Rabiot scored eight goals and provided four assists in 32 Serie A games for Juventus last season.