Football News: World Cup semi-finalist’s brother reveals Man United approach

Sofyan Amrabat's brother and agent has disclosed that Manchester United failed on a loan transfer deal in January. The 26-year-old rose to prominence as a key player of Morocco's historic World Cup roster.

He helped the Atlas Lions to become the first African country to reach the semi-finals. Amrabat impressed with his tenacious tough-tackling displays in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly interested in signing Amrabat prior to the World Cup. And his status grew much further following Morocco's incredible run in Qatar.

Thereafter, Liverpool, Chelsea, PSG, and Barcelona were all rumoured to be interested in signing the midfielder in January. However, Fiorentina managed to keep him for at least another six months.

Now, Amrabat's brother - Nordin Amrabat has also disclosed that Man United failed with a late January loan deal.

"I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window. Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected,"

The 35-year-old told Voetbal Primeur.

After rebuffing interest in Amrabat in the January transfer window, Fiorentina only have the Moroccan international under contract until 2024, with a 12-month extension option.

La Viola are set to try to agree on a new contract with the 26-year-old, but they may be forced to sell him in the summer if he does not agree to new terms at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Amrabat joined Fiorentina on loan from Hellas Verona in 2020 before making the transfer permanent the following summer, and he has one goal from 95 appearances for La Viola.

Due to Christian Eriksen's ankle injury, which will keep the Dane out until the end of the season, Manchester United entered the market for a last-minute midfield signing in January.

After failing to entice Amrabat away from Fiorentina, the Red Devils signed Marcel Sabitzer on a six-month loan contract from Bayern Munich.

The 29-year-old's contract at Old Trafford does not include a buy option or obligation, therefore he will return to the Allianz Arena this summer as things now stand.

Although refusing to consider a permanent departure in the middle of the season, Sabitzer recently told reporters that he was "quite pleased" in Manchester.

"I had to make a quick decision in January. I was focused on this, it was clear it is just a loan until the summer. I take every game as it comes. I'm very happy to be here. I will give 100%. I am very happy to be part of this team, this amazing club, and I feel very welcomed. I am very happy at the moment."

Casemiro, Fred, Donny van de Beek, and Scott McTominay are also vying for spots in Erik ten Hag's engine room, though the latter may be allowed to go in the summer due to his lack of playing time.

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