Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could get his wish of signing AS Monaco player Fabinho in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Fabinho was widely reported to be leaving the French Champions this summer after helping Leonardo Jardim’s side win the French Ligue1 last year. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were the two clubs that were constantly linked with the versatile Brazilian.
PSG were looking to add star names to their roster while United were in the market for a midfield lynchpin. However, despite initial attraction, both sides moved on and spent their money on other targets.
While PSG went ahead with their blockbuster signing of Neymar from Barcelona on a world-record deal, United went ahead with making Nemanja Matic their midfield general for the current campaign.
However, recent reports from the Italian website Calcio Mercato indicate that the Red Devils are still interested in the player. PSG were thought to be frontrunners for his signature but the Parisians will be busy selling players in January to conform to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
It is being reported that Mourinho’s side have been indicated that an offer of £52million would be enough for Monaco to sell their midfielder. PSG and Serie A Champions Juventus were also quoted the same price but both clubs are unlikely to match the asking price.
Unai Emery’s side are already preparing the ground to sell the likes of Julian Draxler, Angel di Maria and Lucas Moura, which means it would be a miracle to see them bid for Fabinho’s services.
Juventus signed Blaise Matuidi in the summer transfer window and may not be interested in adding another squad member at such a high price. That leaves United as the lone interested party.
Mourinho has worked with Fabinho earlier, having guided him during his Real Madrid reign. He can play equally well in the midfield and as a right-back, which appeals to the Portuguese tactician.
Although the arrival of Matic has increased the competition for midfield places, Mourinho sees Fabinho as the long-term replacement of veteran Michael Carrick.
Will he go for a January bid remains to be seen but if he wants to, he knows the price!
