Man Utd dealt Sofyan Amrabat transfer blow as Erik ten Hag tries to bolster ranks ahead of Premier League opener

MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports.

Earlier this week, it was claimed the Red Devils were “closing in” on a transfer for the man who starred for Morocco at the World Cup last year.

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Sofyan Amrabat is being linked with a move away from Fiorentina this summer[/caption]

But Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for the ex-Club Brugge man, 26.

And Sport now understand his preference is to join Diego Simeone by penning a deal with LaLiga giants Atletico.

Reports have suggested £26million could be enough for Fiorentina to agree a transfer.

But others state it could take as much as £34m.

Barcelona has also been mooted as a potential destination for Amrabat – who has 107 appearances for the Italian side.

Either way, Atletico are now emerging as the frontrunners in a knock to Erik ten Hag‘s hopes of bolstering his squad during the final three weeks of the transfer window.

Man Utd have made a trio of big-money signings so far this summer.

They are midfielder Mason Mount, keeper Andre Onana and striker Rasmus Hojlund.

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And they have seen six exits in the form of David de Gea, Anthony Elanga, Zidane Iqbal, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones.

Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could follow them out of Old Trafford in the coming days.

West Ham have offered £50m for the Man Utd pair – who are set to depart in search of more game time.

But Ten Hag’s men are thought to be holding out for £80m as the Hammers eye a double swoop.

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