Manchester United are close to agreeing a third deal as Antony’s plan has been revealed

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for free agent Adrien Rabiot.

After getting bids over the line for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, United are targeting a new centre-half. Casemiro and Scott McTominay continue to be linked with exits from United, while Sofyan Amrabat is yet to complete a permanent move to Manchester after his loan spell at Fiorentina ended in June.

Manuel Ugarte and Rabiot have both been prime options to bolster Erik ten Hag’s midfield options and it appears a deal for the latter could be on the cards, according to French journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin.

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The France international is available on a free transfer after rejecting new terms at Juventus. Rabiot is the subject of interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, who were said to be favorites to sign him after talks.

However, Collet-Gaudin says the midfielder prefers a move to Old Trafford over Anfield, as talks with United have progressed more positively.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly willing to let Antony go out on loan for the new season. The Brazilian has failed to live up to expectations following his £86million move from Ajax.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored just once in 29 Premier League appearances, that goal coming in a 1-1 draw with Burnley in April. He was an unused substitute in the final two league games of the season as well as the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

According to ESPN, he will be allowed to leave on loan this summer if a club are prepared to cover his £70,000-a-week wages. Antony’s performances have seen his estimated value drop significantly to £21 million, the joint biggest drop in value in world football over the course of the season.