Manchester United ‘are trying to sign Juventus star Adrien Rabiot’

Manchester United are working on a transfer for Juventus star Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.

New manager Erik ten Hag wants to add quality in central midfield and a 2-1 loss against Brighton in their Premier League opener on Sunday may have sharpened his focus.

And as reported by the Athletic, Frenchman Rabiot has emerged as a leading option for the Red Devils as they look to add to the squad.

He is understood to be a ‘leading option’ for the club as Erik ten Hag looks to add to his squad

But United ‘must decide’ if they want to continue pursuing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as well

However, United ‘must decide’ whether they want to continue chasing the signing of Rabiot as well as, or instead of, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who is their top midfield target. 

Their three-month pursuit of the Dutch playmaker appeared to be going well after they agreed a £71million fee with Xavi’s side in July, but unpaid wages owed to De Jong and the player’s willingness to move to Old Trafford have held up the move.

On Sunday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted the club wants to keep the the 25-year-old and that he wants to stay at the Nou Camp.

Rabiot, 27, is into the last year of his contract with the Italian giants, meaning a team outside Italy could approach to sign him in summer 2023 on a free transfer.

So Juve could be more likely to sell the 29-cap international for less than the market rate rather than lose him for nothing next year.

Sportsmail reported in late July that Rabiot was being forced to train with Juventus’ Under-23 side after being left out of their pre-season tour squad due to unspecified ‘personal reasons’, amid transfer interest from French sides PSG and Lyon.