Manchester United rule out move for Monaco star Fabinho – and switch focus to Nemanja Matic
Chelsea midfielder could be reunited with Jose Mourinho - but it might depend on Blues landing Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko
MANCHESTER UNITED have ruled out a move for Monaco's holding midfielder Fabinho.
And it seems they may turn their attention to Chelsea's Nemanja Matic instead.
Fabinho has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in Europe - but he's not for Jose Mourinho.
He would appear to favour Serbian star Matic, 29, who is thought to be keen on reunion with his old boss.
Landing Matic might prove tricky, though, with Chelsea reluctant to sell to a leading Premier League rival.
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A deal could depend on Chelsea signing another Monaco player in Tiemoue Bakayoko.
He, like Fabinho, was outstanding for the French champions last season.
If they were to sign Bakayoko for £40million they might be prepared to let Matic go for the same price.
Meanwhile, reports that United are no longer in the race for Fabinho, 23, as a long-term successor to Michael Carrick.
Reports in Portugal had suggested a £40million deal was imminent, with Fabinho and his wife Rebeca Tavares said to be looking forward to moving to Manchester.
But it turns out that Fabinho is not on Mourinho's wish list after all.
Instead the United manager has given executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward a list of four names that includes a central defender, central midfielder, winger and striker.
A fee of £30.7m has already been agreed for Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof, while Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata remains another hot target.