Manchester United will surely be in the market for at least one new midfielder this summer as Ineos approach their first summer transfer window.
United have big decisions to make in the coming months, starting with the future of boss Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is clinging onto his job at the moment and will be looking for a big FA Cup final performance to further prove himself to Ineos.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co will be looking for major improvements both on and off the field and we could yet see more hirings and firings.
On the pitch, United clearly need help all over the pitch and midfield is one real area of concern.
Casemiro has endured a difficult season and could leave this summer whilst Sofyan Amrabat looks unlikely to stay permanently.
Christian Eriksen could go too, so United need to have multiple midfield targets in mind for this summer.
Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana could leave after Manchester United interest
One player who could be on the United radar is Youssouf Fofana.
United tried to sign the Monaco star last summer but the Ligue 1 side rejected the notion of a loan-to-buy deal.
That left United to sign Amrabat instead, with Fiorentina willing to let him join United on loan.
Fofana hasn’t dropped off the United radar though and reports in November suggested that a move to Old Trafford was still a possibility.
The French international has shown the ability to play as a number six in front of the back four, but also as more of a box-to-box player if required.
That is the kind of player United need and Fofana may well be available this summer as he prepares to feature for France at Euro 2024.
Monaco director Thiago Scuro has been quoted by Fabrizio Romano as saying that Fofana is ‘probably’ a player who can leave the club for the right offer this summer.
“He is probably one of the players that we are open to selling this summer,” said Scuro. “We will see the opportunities that he has, same for Guillermo Maripán,” he added.
That presents United with a real chance to go back in for Fofana and a move seems pretty appealing.
Fofana is only 25 but has racked up more than 140 league appearances for Monaco and 17 caps for France.
Fofana’s ability to play in different midfield roles is also attractive – as is the potential price tag.
Potential bargain fee for Fofana
Fabrizio Romano has now told Caught Offside that he thinks Monaco will be demanding around €20million (£17million) for Fofana.
United fans may be wondering why the fee is so low for a player like Fofana.
The former Strasbourg man has been impressing for club and country but could be signed for less than £20million; that is bound to raise question marks.
The reason may be that Fofana is out of contact in 2025 and rather than risk losing him for nothing, they may cash in for a lower fee than they would ideally want.
United clearly have Fofana on the radar having targeted him last summer and ahead of the January window.
Ineos may change some of the plans but it would not be a surprise to see United go back in for Fofana this summer, in the hope of landing a bargain.