Al-Ahli are apparently interested in signing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is a rumoured target for Manchester United.
Amrabat has been heavily linked with a number of big European teams since starring for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
Although Fiorentina turned down offers in January, the Italian club is expected to take a different approach this summer, with the 26-year-old refusing to extend his contract beyond 2025.
United have long been said to be fans of Amrabat, in part because head coach Erik ten Hag worked with him in the early parts of his career.
Last week, it was reported that United had agreed on a deal in the region of £30 million to complete the move of Amrabat in time for the 2017 Premier League season.
Negotiations were expected to be finished in due course, with Amrabat looking happy to make the transition to Old Trafford, but it appears that the Red Devils are still up against stiff competition for his signing.
Amrabat very close to joining Manchester United
According to L’Equipe, Al-Ahli are attempting to get Amrabat to join the Saudi Pro League, adding to their other summer recruits.
Al-Ahli are one of four teams controlled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and have the financial clout to make high-profile signings.
With the additions of Chelsea custodian Edouard Mendy, Manchester City playmaker Riyad Mahrez, Newcastle United Allan Saint-Maximin, and Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino, they have already altered their roster.
The Royal, under new manager Matthias Jaissle, appear to be looking for more defensive-minded players, with Amrabat at the top of their wishlist.
Al-Ahli reportedly still wants to sign ‘several’ new players to compete with Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal in the forthcoming campaign.
With Al-Ahli in a position to match United’s offer and the personal terms provided to Amrabat, the enforcer for the centre of the pitch must make a decision about his future.
While Liverpool and Barcelona were both associated with Amrabat at one point, both are currently thought to be out of the running.
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