Blow for INEOS as ‘complete’ midfield target is now prepared to snub United interest in favour of Euro giants

France's midfielder Youssouf Fofana looks on as he addresses media, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 Football Championship, in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2024. The UEFA Euro 2024 championship will take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024 in Germany. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

As Manchester United prepare to welcome Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to their ranks today, work will continue behind the scenes to find a suitable midfield addition before deadline day.

Since cooling their interest in Manuel Ugarte due to Paris Saint-Germain’s excessive demands, the Reds have been linked with a host of candidates to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options for the forthcoming campaign.

Recent speculation suggests Sander Berge is the most likely contender to be signed, given that INEOS chiefs have already approached his representatives and reportedly tabled a £100,000-a-week contract proposal.

United were also said to be hot in pursuit of Youssouf Fofana last week, as he will ‘100 per cent’ leave Monaco this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman – deemed a ‘complete midfielder’ by StatmanDave – has been widely targeted this summer due to his public desire to part ways with his current club; even West Ham United tried their luck by sending a bid Monaco’s way.

Read more: Romano – ‘Keep an eye’ on 52-cap United ace’s situation, he could be sold before deadline day

Fofana uninterested in Premier League move

However, both English outfits must brace themselves for disappointment, it seems, because Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Fofana is preparing to snub interest from clubs in favour of completing his dream move to AC Milan – so much so that even if a transfer fails to materialise before the window closes, he will stay in France and see out his contract to then move as a free agent in 2025.