Rabiot being linked to Man Utd did come as a shock to some with the sudden twist drawing criticism from certain sections of the United fanbase.
The move had the look of a scattergun approach from Ten Hag and co and appeared to come out of the blue. However, according to Romano, the opposite is true.
The trusted source noted United have had Rabiot on their list of midfield targets ‘for weeks’.
News of their interest only broke over the weekend due to the Red Devils ramping up their chase at that time.
Guido Rodriguez‘s contact made
If Rabiot’s move does cross the line, Spanish outlet AS hints the midfield arrivals might not end there.
They state United has ‘begun contacts’ with Real Betis regarding Argentina international, Guido Rodriguez.
The 28-year-old is a no-nonsense and tough tackling holding midfielder. AS reports he would cost a similar type of fee to Rabiot (around €20m (£16.9m)) and is hot on the idea of testing himself in the Premier League.
Former side Club America does reportedly hold a 30 percent sell-on clause in Rodriguez’s contract deal with Betis. That could see the Spanish side hold out for the slightly higher figure of €20m (£21.3m), though even that number is well within United’s means.
AS do suggest Rodriguez could be an alternative to Rabiot as opposed to signing as well.
Though if United fail to land No 1 target Frenkie de Jong, their opening day defeat to Brighton shows their midfield requires major surgery and two players could be signed.
