Manchester United are close to finalizing a £30 million transfer for midfield Sofyan Amrabat deal after secret talks have been held between Fiorentina and Erik ten Hag’s side

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat with ‘secret contact’ between the Red Devils and Fiorentina.

Dutch-born Amrabat stood out for his impressive performances as Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar in December.

He is now United’s main target with the £72 million signing of Rasmus Hojlund, nearing completion after a lengthy chase.

And Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims a deal could be struck soon as defeated Europa Conference League finalists close to finalizing the sale of Gaetano Castrovilli to Bournemouth.

tweeted Pedulla: After the sale of Castrovilli, it will soon be Amrabat’s turn.

Erik ten Hag wants to further strengthen his midfield before the window closes

“As mentioned before, there have been secret contacts between Fiorentina and MUFC through intermediaries.”

United were keen to sign the Moroccan World Cup hero in January but his Serie A employers were hesitant to let him go.

Amrabat has been on the books of Fiorentina for four years and made 15 appearances in Europe as the club reached the final of the Europa Conference League.

The Red Devils have yet to make an opening bid for the £30 million-valued midfielder and will have to move a few players first.

Donny van de Beek, Fred and Brandon Williams are all deemed redundant and attract interest from other clubs.

United have recently entered talks with Real Sociedad over the possible sale of Van de Beek, as they expect a better offer from Galatasaray for Fred after rejecting an undisclosed offer from the Turkish side last month.

The Ten Hag team would have ‘secret conversations’ with Fiorentina through intermediaries