Man City had run-in with Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot's mother

As Manchester United prepare for potential negotiations with Adrien Rabiot’s mother – no, really – they would be well served looking towards their near neighbours for an indication of what they’re getting into.

United have agreed a fee in principle with Juventus for the midfielder, with an offer of £15million rising up to £20m having been accepted. The Reds now have to negotiate personal terms with Rabiot’s agent – his mother.

It’s certainly not your average transfer, and sources say Veronique Rabiot is the “only stumbling block” United have to agree personal terms. Manchester City would be able to tell them just how big an obstacle she could be.

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Rabiot already has some experience of Manchester, having spent six months playing for City’s academy as a 13-year-old back in 2008. After being spotted by the Blues’ scouts while playing at Clairefontaine, the young midfielder was offered a deal.

Having made his way over to England, things appeared to be going well as he spent half a year at Eastlands. But then Rabiot’s mother intervened.

“During the last entry course at Clairefontaine, Manchester City recruiters were present,” Rabiot said back in 2020. “They told my mum they were interested in my profile. We made the decision to go to England.

“Everything was going well, but after six months, the club did not respect certain agreements, so my mother said ‘Stop’ and we went home.”

City’s version of events are slightly different though. The club have reportedly claimed that Veronique wanted assurances which would have seen them breach FIFA rule about foreign youth players.

Things could have turned out very differently for Rabiot – who