Manchester United make significant progress towards Fabinho

Manchester United have reportedly make a significant push towards signing Monaco anchorman Fabinho during the summer transfer window. The Brazil international capped off a top season for the Principality outfit last term as he helped them clinch the Ligue 1 title.

Fabinho, 23, had attracted interest from the Mancunian giants last year, but United were not in a position to negotiate a fee after pursuing the likes of Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a combined £150m fee.

The former Real Madrid man appeared in 37 of Monaco’s 38 league games last term, and his contribution was key towards ending Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in the French top tier. Meanwhile, the Stade Louis II outfit were also the surprise package in the Champions League as they reached the semi-final stage.

According to The Telegraph h/t Marca, the Red Devils have made ‘remarkable advances in recent days’ as they look to lure Fabinho ahead of some of their European rivals. Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt for the versatile ace but it is understood that United hold the foothold in the transfer pursuit.

Fabinho initially plyed his trade on the right side of the defence under Leonardo Jardim, but he was transformed into a central midfielder last season with Djibril Sidibe making the right-back position his own.

Monaco’s championship-winning squad appears to be breaking up sooner rather than later with Bernardo Silva having already joined Manchester City while the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Kylian Mbappe and Tiemoue Bakayoko should still make way in the transfer window.

The Europa League holders are likely to pay up a £50m fee to lure the Brazilian, who now has the guarantee of Champions League football at the Theatre of Dreams. Fabinho has amassed over 180 outings for the Ligue 1 holders since his switch from Rio Ave in 2013 – initially on a two-year loan stint.

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