Fiorentina have indicated to Manchester United that they are willing to accept a loan offer for Sofyan Amrabat before Friday's transfer deadline - on the condition that United commit to a mandatory purchase option for the player next summer.
90min understands that United remain intent on bringing the Moroccan midfielder to Old Trafford before the weekend, and the two clubs are now discussing the terms on how to make that happen.
United had indicated earlier in the year to the Serie A outfit that they would follow up their long-standing interest in Amrabat with a permanent transfer offer, but an inability to offload a number of squad players and raise sufficient funds has forced them into alternatives. United had approached Fiorentina on Wednesday about taking the player on loan for the season.
Fiorentina are understood to have been disappointed and annoyed with the new pitch, but talks are continuing over a deal, with the Italian side understanding of United's position. Amrabat himself has held out for the entire summer waiting for offer from Old Trafford to come, rejecting interest from other clubs in favour of a move to Manchester.
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Amrabat's interest in moving to United has essentially forced Fiorentina's hand, unable to complete deals with other clubs, though they are not willing to part with the player without a guarantee of a substantial transfer fee. United had indicated earlier in the summer they were willing to meet a fee for the player but have simply been unable to complete the necessary outgoings to create the funds.
It's likely United will need to commit a loan fee for the season to sign Amrabat as well as cover his wages, while the main sticking point and subject of discussion now over the future obligation fee.
Fiorentina had wanted £29m earlier in the summer for the player but are understood to now be ready to settle for an overall deal worth £25m. Talks about how that sum can be broken down over the loan-to-buy agreement are on. The two clubs are discussing a £5m loan fee with future purchase figure of around £20m at the moment, although this could change as negotiations continue.
United are expected to sign goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on a permanent deal from Fenerbahce, and they are working on signing a left back on loan before the transfer deadline. Optimism is now growing that they will reach an agreement with Fiorentina for Amrabat to join them.
The £15m + £5m sale of Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace will be completed imminently, providing United with some cash to play with before the window closes.
On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette discuss Manchester United's business with deadline day approaching and whether Harry Maguire will stay at the club.
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd progress on loan-to-buy deal for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.