Man Utd now want to sign £147k per week star, Barcelona are out of the race - report

Manchester United are aiming to bolster their midfield with a free-agent, as per Le Figaro.

The Red Devils signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day last month and he is expected to make his debut after the international break.

The Uruguayan star is likely to become the club’s first-choice from the number six role, but United remain interested in securing the signature of Adrien Rabiot.

Rabiot is also on the radar of Newcastle United and Barcelona, but the latter are not in a position to meet the midfielder’s demands amid their ongoing financial problems.

The Frenchman continues to be managed by his mother. It is claimed that she is looking for a package of more than £162,000 per week for the former Juventus star.

Rabiot was on £147,000 per week during his time in Turin.

United unlikely to make contract offer to Rabiot

The Red Devils offloaded multiple players during the recent summer transfer window, but they did not find any suitable offers for Christian Eriksen or Casemiro.

Both players are expected to stay at the club until January at least. Rabiot is an option for the Red Devils, but the hierarchy have no plans of making a contract offer to him.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Rabiot was offered to United in July and August, but the club were not interested in securing his services on a free transfer.

The decision appears justifiable for multiple reasons. Rabiot is already 29 years of age and will turn 30 in April next year. He could be past his prime in a season or two.

Aside from a lucrative weekly salary, the World Cup finalist may also demand a significant signing-on fee, considering he is a free-agent after parting ways with Juventus.

Furthermore, the midfielder does not fit into the manager’s plans due to his playing style.

Rabiot won 1.9 tackles and 5.7 duels per Serie A game last term, but completed only 31 passes per outing with an accuracy of 83%. He managed one long ball on average.

The new management under INEOS focused on signing players with resale value this summer. Noussair Mazraoui was the oldest purchase in the transfer window at 26.

We simply don’t see them providing the green light for a move for Rabiot.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com