Man Utd 'back in' for star who rejected them and Cesc Fabregas wanted at Liverpool

Manchester United have reportedly not given up on signing Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana. The French midfielder rejected an approach from the Red Devils last season.

Erik ten Hag’s side pursued the French international last year but decided to remain where he was on the French Riviera. Chelsea and Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has previously said the 25-year-old, who he played alongside during his short stint with the Ligue 1 giants, would best be suited to a move to Liverpool. 

However, reports understand Fofana has agreed a four-year deal to move to AC Milan. Yet, the Red Devils still think they have a chance of swaying the versatile midfielder, who has 21 international caps for France, at the second time of asking.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, United are still trying to hijack the Rossoneri’s move for Fofana. Ten Hag’s side do still have hope as the Italian giants are yet to agree a transfer fee for the midfielder, whose contract expires next year.

United have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. There has already been some huge changes at the club, as they wrapped up the signings of 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Red Devils are yet to add any new faces to their midfield, which was hugely criticised last season. Fofana could have been the answer to their problems last summer, when United first expressed their interest.

When asked about those links last year, Monaco sporting director Thiago Scruro said: “He deserves most of the credit. (Fofana) believes in our project and made the decision to stay longer at Monaco to continue his development. He has big ambitions with the French team and AS Monaco.”

Fabregas would have also been pleased with that snub, as he has previously tipped Fofana to one day join Liverpool. In 2022, the Spaniard, who is now the manager of Como 1907, told RMC Sport: “When I came [to Monaco as a player], Thierry (Henry) and Vadim (Vasilyev) also asked me to help grow the young people. It was an important point.

“Today, I feel like I have won the respect and sympathy of this younger generation. I hope I have helped. We like each other. I will continue to follow them and exchange with them. I would like to see Fofana, (Sofiane) Diop or (Aurelien) Tchouameni at Bayern or Liverpool!”

In regards to current midfield options, Ten Hag clarified he wants to hold onto Scott McTominay, who has been linked with a move to Fulham and Galatasaray. The Dutchman said: “I think we have very good players so they’ll always have an interest from other clubs. If you score 10 goals in a season and perform very well for Scotland there will be an interest.

“We want to actually keep him because he’s a very important player for our squad. We’ve seen what he can contribute last season. When we had the sixes and he could play in a more advanced role, he’s a highly interesting player for our team.”