Euro 2024 star could persuade Liverpool to pounce on free transfer ahead of Man Utd

Liverpool and Manchester United are both expected to add to their midfield ranks before the end of the summer transfer window. And one experienced star, who is playing at Euro 2024 with an uncertain future, could be available for absolutely nothing.

Adrien Rabiot has started both of France’s matches in Germany, helping them to a narrow win over Austria and a draw with Holland thus far. The Juventus midfielder was expected to reach clarity on his club future before the tournament but he instead headed to the Euros with a contract expiring at the end of the month.

According to Sport Italia, Liverpool are one of the sides ‘surveying’ Rabiot with a view to submitting a contract offer over the coming weeks.

Given his experience, and the fact he will be available on a free transfer, it would likely take a hefty contract offer to get the green light from Rabiot’s camp. But a sequence of strong performances at Euro 2024 may convince Liverpool to put something tempting on the table.

Arne Slot’s side have an added motivation to move first as bitter rivals Manchester United are also long-standing admirers of the player.

While links between Rabiot and the Red Devils have been subdued during the current transfer window, United held well-publicised talks with the Frenchman’s camp in the summer of 2022.

And with money tight at Old Trafford this summer, recruiting a player of Rabiot’s pedigree without spending a penny could free up funds for Erik ten Hag to strengthen other areas of his team.

Reports indicate that Rabiot is ‘waiting for United’ to make their move before deciding whether to stay in Turin or pursue other opportunities. With interested sides watching and Liverpool ‘surveying’, Rabiot’s Euros performances take on added importance, and they may ultimately dictate whether the Reds attempt to beat their rivals to the punch.

Liverpool and United aren’t the only teams looking at the 29-year-old. Real Madrid, who are set to lose midfielder Toni Kroos to retirement, have also been linked. And there is also the possibility of Rabiot staying put at Juventus given a big-money contract offer remains on the table.

Rabiot came through the academy of Paris Saint-Germain and made more than 200 appearances for the French giants before joining Juve in 2019. The midfielder also has 45 France caps on a distinguished CV.