Manchester United are searching for a defensive midfielder this summer and are likely to speed up the process ahead of the new Premier League season.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte was the priority target last month, but the club won’t proceed with a formal bid for him.
The Red Devils will not meet the £51.5 million price tag. They are prepared to look at alternative options to bolster the holding midfield department.
They should consider an approach for Monaco star Youssouf Fofana, who is widely expected to be sold with his contract expiring next summer.
The Frenchman has already been identified as an alternative option for United and it he could be available for around £30 million.
AC Milan agreed personal terms with the midfielder earlier this summer, but they were put off after Monaco hiked the valuation.
Fofana would be a solid signing for an affordable fee
The former Strasbourg man was on the radar of Premier League clubs last summer. Nottingham Forest and Fulham wanted to sign him, but he preferred to stay at Monaco.
He will choose a new club in the current transfer window. With his strong defensive skills and tireless work rate in midfield, Fofana would be a solid acquisition for United.
The 25-year-old won 50 percent of his duels in Ligue 1 last season with an average of 7.2 recoveries and 1.9 tackles per game. He also completed 60% of his take-ons for Monaco.
Fofana lags behind Ugarte (91%) with a passing accuracy of only 82%, but he makes up for it with the ability to quickly cover ground when out of possession.
The Frenchman does not have the same strengths as Ugarte who is a better tackler and distributor, but he would be a good alternative and an upgrade on Casemiro.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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