Manchester United target has ‘soft spot’ for Manchester City

Manchester United have been in talks with Monaco star Fabinho but the player’s father has revealed the versatile defender has a ‘soft spot’ for their city rivals Manchester City.

Jose Mourinho’s side were heavily linked with a summer move for the Monaco right-back, who has spent the majority of this season in central midfield, but cooled their interest following Antonio Valencia’s fantastic form.

United are not the only team interested in signing the Brazilian, with City, Arsenal and Barcelona also in talks for the 23-year-old, but his father has hinted who could have the edge in the race for his signature this summer.

“We have been in talks with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and approached by Barcelona,” his told, Joao, told French TV, via The Daily Mail. “We like Manchester United and Mourinho’s work, but we have a soft spot for Manchester City.”

Pep Guardiola’s side are in the market for fullbacks with that a key area of transformation for City in the summer and Fabinho certainly fits the profile. He made his name as a right back but has shown his versatility this season, excelling in a central midfield role for Ligue 1 leaders Monaco.

Fabinho is Monaco’s highest rated player in the league this season (7.47), while he has also completed at least 22 more tackles than any other teammate in the league (79).

For more stats on Fabinho, click here to visit his WhoScored player page