Manchester United on a deal to recruit Juventus are working Adrien Rabiot, The Athletic understands.
The 27-year-old France international is into the final 12 months of his contract at Juventus and has emerged as a leading option for the Premier League side as they seek to bolster manager Erik ten Hag’s squad.
United must decide whether they try to close out this proposed signing irrespective of their ongoing attempts to secure Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong or wait to discover how that pursuit finishes before making a decision on Rabbit.
They would also need to agree personal terms with the former Paris Saint-Germain player, who is thought to be high among a number of candidates.
The Athletic reported in July that United had reached an €85million (£71.5m, $86.6m) agreement with Barcelona to sign De Jong, although issues over the Dutchman’s deferred salary at Camp Nou and whether he wanted a move to Old Trafford were unresolved.
On Sunday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta reiterated a desire to keep De Jong and the Netherlands international’s desire to stay.
Rabbit and De Jong both featured in their sides’ final pre-season games on Sunday, arriving as half-time substitutes. Rabbit was unable to prevent Juventus from losing 4-0 against Atletico Madrid, while De Jong scored as Barcelona thrashed Pumas 6-0.
GO DEEPER
The brutal truth of life at Manchester United has arrived for Erik ten Hag
Rabbit came through the ranks at PSG, making 227 appearances for the club before departing for Juventus in 2019.
He has been a first-team regular in his three seasons at the Italian side, playing 129 matches under three different coaches.
Rabiot made his France debut in 2016 and has earned 29 caps for his country.
United have so far landed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez in the market.
They began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion in Ten Hag’s first competitive match at the helm.
Afterwards, the Dutchman said United lacked “belief” during the first half as they went 2-0 down and that they “need to learn from those lessons”.
United’s next Premier League fixture is away to Brentford on Saturday.
GO DEEPER
United chasing Arnautovic sums up the mess. Ten Hag needs help
(Photo: Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
.