Manchester United have been negotiating a deal to sign Sofyan Amrabat but his club Fiorentina have now received a £25million proposal from Fulham for the midfielder

Fulham are attempting to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign Sofyan Amrabat – but the midfielder is holding out for a move to Old Trafford.

The Fiorentina midfielder is subject of a £25million transfer offer from Fulham, who are seeking a replacement for Joao Palhinha. It is understood that the Portuguese midfielder could complete a deadline day move to Bayern Munich.

Amrabat is desperate to leave Fiorentina – who promised him in January that he could move in summer and the Italian club had been negotiating with United. Unlike Fulham, the Red Devils were offering an initial nominal fee for a loan deal with an obligation to buy likely to be included.

United boss Erik ten Hag has been extremely virtuous towards the player – heralding his stamina and desire to place the team above himself, a quality which he holds in the upmost regard. Those are aspects which United’s midfield has lacked in its opening games.

It was under Ten Hag that Amrabat developed at Dutch club Utrecht – where he became a first-team regular after emerging through the youth system. Amrabat has spoken of the influence the Dutchman had on his career and his admiration of him.

However, Sky Sport Italia outline that Fulham have now formalised their interest and their bid is significantly more financially attractive to Fiorentina than United’s proposal. However, the player’s preference is now likely to be key.

With Fred sold this summer, United’s midfield options need more energy and tenacity. Marcel Sabitzer also departed following his loan spell and while Scott McTominay looks set to remain at United despite interest from West Ham, Ten Hag does not favour him for his starting line-up.

One way of cooling Fulham’s interest in Amrabat is by selling McTominay to them amid suggestions that deal could be done. The 26-year-old has played just seven minutes of Premier League football this season and could complete a deadline day move in pursuit of more regular first-team action.

It’s believed Fulham have contacted United about McTominay’s availability. The Red Devils rejected a £30m offer from the Hammers for McTominay earlier in the summer but could accept a similar offer from Fulham if that money can be used to sign Amrabat.

As for the Moroccan, Nordin Amrabat – Sofyan’s brother and a former Watford star – told ESPN that Ten Hag’s influence over his brother’s future was important: “Ten Hag is now looking for a striker, he wants that first. From there he will see what is possible. But I know that Ten Hag is charmed by my brother, he broke through under him and they have a good relationship, so who knows.”