Manchester United handed welcome boost in pursuit of AS Monaco midfielder Fabinho since Atletico Madrid cannot sign new players till the winter window.
According to a report by Marca, Manchester United will emerge as the front-runners in signing Fabinho for £50million after TAS ruled Atletico Madrid out from signing new players until the winter window in January 2018.
Jose Mourinho has been eyeing Fabinho for quite some time now even as rumours suggest that arch-rivals Manchester City are also in the fray.
The 23-year-old Brazilian has been vital for the Ligue 1 side as they were the surprise winners of the the title this season and has displayed his versatility with his ability to play as a right-back and also a defensive midfielder. Fabinho is quite in demand since Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the player.
In fact, the youngster has also played under Mourinho before at Real Madrid. He has come a long way since and established himself as a key player for the French club and learnt to balance his attacking instincts with his defensive duties with relative ease.
Monaco’s success last season was mainly due to youngsters like Fabinho, Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Mendy. Fabinho’s teammate Mbappe was also linked with United once but now Arsenal are on the verge of signing the talented striker.
Fabinho was particularly impressive against Manchester City in March as he proudly displayed his talents at both ends of the pitch during the Champions League. It was because of his goal that Monaco surged ahead of their opponents in the second leg.
Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera can be relieved of some pressure if United sign another all-action midfielder like Fabinho. Additionally, Fabinho is also adept at taking penalties and United require a new specialist in that area besides Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Meanwhile, Manchester City can also benefit from his versatility and that would provide Pep Guardiola with more options on the right flank next season as they get ready to face Champions League and Premier League commitments.
Pablo Zabaleta is expected to leave this summer and Fabinho can be a good replacement as far as Guardiola’s first choice right back is concerned. Also, City have been linked with Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur but Fabinho is likely to be a better alternative since he is more versatile.
However, as latest reports suggest, Pep Guardiola will have to step up his game because Jose Mourinho looks set to best him on this one.