While the Paul Pogba transfer saga continues to dominate the headlines, Manchester United are also working on a much more low-key transfer to bolster Jose Mourinho’s defence.

 

The Red Devils were reportedly tracking Brazilian right-back Fabinho even when Louis van Gaal was still the manager. The arrival of Jose Mourinho at the helm has only intensified their interest. Manchester United have now entered negotiations with his current club AS Monaco over a possible transfer, according to Brazilian publication Globoesporte.

The 22-year-old has become a defensive mainstay at the Ligue 1 club since joining from Real Madrid on loan in 2013. After impressing on loan for two seasons, Monaco signed him on a permanent deal in 2015.  Monaco’s decision was vindicated as the Brazilian was solid in defence and contributed significantly to the team’s attack, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists in 40 appearances for the club last season.

Although Fabinho is a crucial first-team player, Monaco would likely be tempted by the right offer. The Brazilian, who is expected to be sold for around £22 million, would be following in the footsteps of Anthony Martial, who became the world’s most expensive teenage signing as United paid Monaco £36 million for his services last summer.

Image Credits: AFP/Getty Images
Image Credits: AFP/Getty Images

Jose Mourinho has repeatedly mentioned that he expected to make four signings in his first transfer window as Manchester United manager. With three already made in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly, the fourth one is widely expected to be Paul Pogba. However, there seems to be a fifth signing on the agenda as well, as Mourinho looks to strengthen a vital position for the Red Devils.

Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela has been shipped out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt, while first choice Matteo Darmian had a mixed season last time around. The Italian could be sold by Mourinho to accommodate Fabinho, while academy player Tim Fosu-Mensah, who showed his ability in that position in the latter half of last season, could also provide cover. There is a possibility that both Darmian and Fabinho will compete for the right-back spot, as Mourinho intends to have two good players competing for each position in the team.

The full-back position gave Manchester United and Louis van Gaal some huge problems last season, and the Special One is taking prudent steps to ensure that that isn’t the case under his leadership.

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