Manchester United are continuing to pursue a deal for Monaco midfielder Fabinho even though they are on the verge of announcing Nemanja Matic’s imminent arrival from Chelsea.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal with the Premier League champions for a player that Jose Mourinho knows well, having won the title with him in the 2014/15 season.
The £35 million deal for Matic will go through just as soon as his replacement, Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, agrees terms to his own move to Stamford Bridge.
But Mourinho wants more than just Matic to bolster his midfield, and, according to The Independent, is pressing ahead with talks for Fabinho just as soon as the Serbian midfielder has been pictured holding up a United shirt.
Mourinho believes Fabinho will be a very valuable asset next season, given that he can play both in midfield and at full-back.
United were starved of options at right-back last season, though winger-turned-defender Antonio Valencia excelled there – and impressed his manager greatly – despite his lack of familiarity with the position.
Fabinho will provide both cover and competition for Valencia, with Mourinho a massive fan of the Brazilian’s versatility.
He scored nine goals last season, predominantly from the penalty spot, with his potential departure another huge blow for Monaco who are being asset stripped this summer.
Interestingly, Fabinho is represented by Jorge Mendes – who is also the agent of Mourinho – which could hasten any deal, while he has already hinted that he is keen to work under the Portuguese coach.
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