Manchester United told asking price to sign Youssouf Fofana has now doubled

Manchester United are in the race to sign Youssouf Fofana from Monaco (AFP via Getty)

Monaco have told Manchester United that they need to pay €35 million (£29.4m) to sign Youssouf Fofana this summer, according to reports in Italy.

After completing deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this month, United are now looking to recruit a new central midfielder to add to Erik ten Hag’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

United have held extensive talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte but the French champions are holding out for a €70 million (£58.9m) fee for the Uruguay international.

Fofana is on United’s list of alternative options, although they face strong competition from AC Milan for the Monaco midfielder.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Monaco had initially demanded €18m (£15m) for Fofana, with AC Milan hopeful that their bid of €12m (£10m) plus add-ons would be enough to reach an agreement.

Monaco had initially demanded €18m (£15m) for Youssouf Fofana (Getty)

However, following enquiries from both United and Atletico Madrid, Monaco have decided to nearly double his asking price to €35m (£29.4m).

Fofana, who made three substitute appearances for France at Euro 2024, has just a year left on his contract with Monaco.

AC Milan have already lost out once to United in this summer’s transfer window as they came close to signing Zirkzee before the Netherlands international opted to make the move to Old Trafford.

Milan have since signed Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid for an £11m fee.

United, meanwhile, remain in talks with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt but the German club are seeking a €50m (£42m) transfer fee for the 24-year-old.

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