Manchester United's reported pursuit of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has caused quite the stir - but the Red Devils aren't the first Premier League side to declare their interest in the Frenchman this summer.
Erik ten Hag suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Brighton during his first competitive game at the helm and wants to act swiftly in the transfer window in response. United's midfield was an obvious, glaring issue throughout the fixture at Old Trafford, with Scott McTominay and Fred enduring outings to forget.
United's new manager has already made one midfield addition this summer by signing former Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen, and he is line to make another in the form of Rabiot. Reports of the proposed move have been met with intense criticism as many fans view it as underwhelming and harbour concerns over his attitude. However, Ten Hag is not the only manager with an admiration for the former Paris-Saint Germain star.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to have reached out to Rabiot on the phone earlier on this summer to float the idea of a Stamford Bridge switch before the window's close. According to TuttoSport, the Blues manager contacted Rabiot once he had discovered the player has no intention of extending his Juventus contract, which runs until next summer.
The pair are familiar with each other from their shared time at PSG, though to say they were the best of friends would be disingenuous. Rabiot refused a contract extension in the French capital while Tuchel was in charge and was even suspended for his conduct in the aftermath of their Champions League elimination three years ago.
Rabiot's ill-discipline is well-documented and, in truth, United's interest may help Tuchel dodge a costly transfer error. Chelsea aren't expected to put up a fight to try and counter the Red Devils' offer. United are reported to have reached an agreement in principle with Juventus to sign the 27-year-old, with the initial fee in the region of £15million.
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In a further twist, Italian outlet JuveDipendenza claims that much-maligned United midfielder McTominay could be heading in the opposite direction to Rabiot as part of the deal. While Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is a fan of the Scotsman, United legend Paul Scholes wasn't quite as kind after the Brighton showing.
He said: "McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor. With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.
"Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay is trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today."
