Fabrizio Romano has revealed the details behind Manchester United’s reported interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Manchester United have been linked with former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in recent weeks, with the need for a midfielder remaining after Rúben Amorim’s departure.
Darren Fletcher and then Michael Carrick have switched to a back-four formation, usually looking like a 4-2-3-1 with the ball. While United fans appear happier with the new shape, this increases the need for a new engine room signing.
For United’s double pivot, Carrick has just Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to choose from, with Bruno Fernandes moving into attacking midfield. Jack Fletcher or Mason Mount could be asked to deputise in central midfield, but a new addition will be of interest.
Conor Gallagher looked a favourite to join United, but he has now joined Tottenham Hotspur, leaving United without one of their first-choice midfielders for the January window.
As such, United’s attentions appear to have turned to Loftus-Cheek, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the full details behind the interest.
Romano reveals Loftus-Cheek interest
Loftus-Cheek joined AC Milan in 2023 and has since made 93 appearances for the Italian giants, with 11 goals to his name. He was once considered one of the hottest prospects at Chelsea, but an injury hurt his chances of gaining a regular place – regular football in England could be exactly what the 29-year-old needs to return to his top form.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Loftus-Cheek has been linked with Manchester United in recent days as a potential ‘secret’ option for the midfield.
“I’m not aware of contacts between Man United and the agents of Loftus-Cheek as of today.”
While United’s interest doesn’t appear to be genuine, Aston Villa have been named as potential suitors for the former Chelsea midfielder. “Aston Villa, without a secret, approached the player, also approached AC Milan,” said Romano.
“They have an interest in Loftus-Cheek because [Boubacar] Kamara is injured, and so they are trying to enter into this deal for Loftus-Cheek. Let’s see what happens.”
Milan keen to keep Loftus-Cheek
“Milan have already started some initial conversation with Loftus-Cheek over a new contract at the club,” said Romano. “And so, let’s see what happens. New deal for Loftus-Cheek or Aston Villa interested?”
United could have beat Aston Villa to Loftus-Cheek’s signature, but they are unlikely to have a real chance of signing him if Milan are looking to keep the England international.
Loftus-Cheek is currently playing with former Chelsea teammates Fiyako Tomori and Christian Pulisic, with Christopher Nkunku also at the club. Any links away from Milan may be far off the mark.
United may have to turn their attentions elsewhere, if not trust the under-21s, who beat Sporting CP 3-1 on Tuesday evening, thanks to a hat-trick from James Scanlon.
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