According to rumors in Italy, Monaco has informed Manchester United that in order to sign Youssouf Fofana this summer, they would need to spend €35 million (£29.4 million).
In preparation for the next Premier League season, United is now seeking to add a new central midfield player to Erik ten Hag’s roster, following the completion of agreements for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this month.
In-depth negotiations on Manuel Ugarte have been place between United and Paris Saint-Germain; however, the French champions are retaining the Uruguayan international for a sum of €70 million (£58.9 million).
United has Fofana on their list of backup possibilities, but AC Milan will be a fierce rival for the Monaco midfield player.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Monaco had initially demanded €18m (£15m) for Fofana, with AC Milan hopeful that their bid of €12m (£10m) plus add-ons would be enough to reach an agreement.
However, following enquiries from both United and Atletico Madrid, Monaco have decided to nearly double his asking price to €35m (£29.4m).
There is just a year remaining on Fofana’s Monaco contract. He made three substitute appearances for France during Euro 2024.
This summer’s transfer season saw AC Milan come close to signing Zirkzee before the Netherlands international decided to go to Old Trafford, and as a result, AC Milan already lost out to United once.
Subsequently, Milan acquired Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid for a sum of £11 million.
In the meanwhile, United and Bayern Munich are still in negotiations for Matthijs de Ligt, but the German team is looking for a €50 million (£42 million) transfer price for the 24-year-old.