Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd to get answer from ‘top’ Newcastle target ‘in days’ as Fabrizio Romano reveals transfer twist

Erik ten Hag Man Utd manager

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United should find out before the end of the week whether their bid to sign Adrien Rabiot is a successful one following a significant update from Fabrizio Romano.

The Juventus star is out of contract in a matter of days and eligible for a free transfer. Boasting a wealth of experience at the very top level, Rabiot finds himself a man in high demand.

To that end, Newcastle have reportedly offered him a significant contract to try and lure him to St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side are back in the Champions League after a 20-year absence and seeking more experience in their ranks. To that end, with well over 100 games in European competition to his name, the 28-year-old certainly fits the bill.

Strong competition, though, comes from Manchester United. Erik ten Hag is looking for three marquee signings to boost his ranks this season, with a new defender, midfielder and striker on his list of targets.

However, with the club’s takeover unlikely to go through before the new season starts, Ten Hag is being forced to operate under the Glazers’ summer budget. And that reportedly means that the United boss has a summer kitty of around £120m, plus any extras generated from player sales.

As a result, it is easy to see why Rabiot is emerging as, in the words of Football365, a top target for Ten Hag.

Despite overtures from the Premier League pair, Juventus are not giving up hope of extending his stay.

Understandably, with the club missing out on the Champions League following a 10-point deduction, some big-name stars will have to leave.

READ MORETen Hag in dreamland with Man Utd to complete £375,000-a-week deal for unstoppable forward

Man Utd target Adrien Rabiot to decide on future soon

To that end, the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Federico Chiesa and Gleison Bremer could leave for sizeable fees. Indeed, Monday’s Euro Paper Talk suggested United were ready to hijack Tottenham’s move for the Brazilian defender.

However, Rabiot – given they cannot claim a fee – is one player Juve are pushing to keep.

To that end, they are not giving up on the 37-times capped France international without a fight. Granted, the Bianconeri may struggle to match the financial packages on offer in the Premier League. However, they are willing to make Rabiot a handsome offer to stay.

To that end, he is currently looking for a rise on his current €9m a year package. That equates to around £145,000 a week.

Now, according to trusted transfer guru Romano, Rabiot will give an answer on his future in a matter of days.

The Italian tweeted: “Juventus are still trying to keep Adrien Rabiot as new deal has been discussed with the French midfielder. Not easy to compete with Premier League proposals to join as free agent but Juve will insist until the end. Rabiot’s answer expected in the next days.”

Quite where Rabiot decides will depend on both the player’s personal choice and following the advice of his mother. Indeed, Veronique Rabiot acts as her son’s agent and will undoubtedly be pressing to achieve the best possible deal for her son.

But with UCL football on offer, it would be easy to imagine Rabiot being lured to England.

READ MOREMan Utd delight as Bayern relent and finally allow Ten Hag to sign his own Erling Haaland