Jose Mourinho has identified Fabinho as one of his summer transfer targets with a move of nearly £50m expected.
Manchester United have been linked to the AS Monaco player for a number of transfer windows now, and reportedly had strong interest last summer.
However, Sky Italia, as per the Express, now suggest that Mourinho has already put plans in place in order to bring Fabinho to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese has revealed he’s currently content with his options in attack with a strong forward line consisting of two or three of Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.
He’s insisted that no more signings will be made in attacking positions, but Man United re likely to look to strengthen their defensive and midfield options, areas where they’ve fallen short this season at times.
Fabinho, who lifted Ligue 1 with Monaco last season, is also being monitored by Paris Saint-Germain. He offers United options at both rightback and in defensive midfield.
Aged 24, Fabinho would be a younger option ahead of Antonio Valencia, the club’s vice-captain who’s into his 30s. Michael Carrick, club captain, is set to retire in the summer while Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini is looking likely to choose to leave the club on a free transfer.
Fabinho could end up being a first-choice right-back for United, but would also provide cover in midfield.
United are likely to look for another first-choice midfielder. If Mourinho wants to play with a three-man midfield to allow Paul Pogba to truly flourish with more freedom and fewer defensive responsibilities, he needs a stronger option than Ander Herrera and thus Fabinho may not be the only signing who can play in midfield.