Manchester United-linked midfielder Adrien Rabiot has reportedly agreed to a new contract with Juventus, ending the Red Devils' hopes of a summer deal.
The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams last summer, only for a move to fall through due to an alleged disagreement over wages.
Since that protracted saga, Rabiot shone for Juventus during their tumultuous 2022-23 campaign, registering 11 goals and six assists in 48 matches across all tournaments.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is due to become a free agent at the end of the month, and according to The Athletic, Man United have made contact with his camp once again.
The France international is represented by his mother Veronique Rabiot, who has developed a reputation as a hardball negotiator and was believed to have been a key factor in talks breaking down with Man United last summer.
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Nevertheless, Rabiot revealed in December that he would be open to 'evolving' in the Premier League, although he had not identified a preferred destination in England.
"I have always said that I'd like to play in England in my career. I still have that desire. I'd like to evolve in the Premier League," The Athletic quotes Rabiot as saying.
"I haven't got a Premier League team in mind right now. I haven't chosen a team or anything. It's a general thing. It's the league, it's the level of play that's going on, that's what attracts me most. It corresponds to my qualities."
However, a separate report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport states that Rabiot and his mother have now reached an agreement over a renewal with Juventus, forcing Man United to look elsewhere in their search for midfield reinforcements.
The report states that Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri pushed to tie the midfielder down to a new contract, and his renewal - the length of which is not specified - is worth €7m (£6m) per year.
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Rabiot joined Juve on a free transfer from PSG in the summer of 2019 and has amassed 24 goals and 14 assists in 227 matches for the Bianconeri, winning one Serie A crown, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana.
News of Rabiot's renewal represents yet another midfield blow to Man United, who are understood to have had a third bid for Chelsea's Mason Mount rejected by the Blues.
The Red Devils offered £50m plus £5m in add-ons for the 24-year-old, whereas Chelsea are holding out for a total package of £65m, in spite of the fact that Mount could leave as a free agent in 2024.
Man United's third offer is said to remain on the table, but the Red Devils are now focusing on alternative midfield targets, such as Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.
A new striker is still Erik ten Hag's number one priority, and a replacement for number one goalkeeper David de Gea has also been mooted, but the Man United boss is supposedly reluctant to bring in a new shot-stopper this summer.
Ben Knapton
