Manchester United transfer news LIVE De Jong and Arnautovic latest as fee agreed for Adrien Rabiot

Manchester United taking steps to improving their midfield following the opening weekend defeat to Brighton by moving for Adrien Rabiot.

United have agreed a fee in principle with Juventus for the Frenchman of £15million rising to £20m but have to negotiate personal terms with the player's agent - his mother.

Sources say Rabiot's mother, Veronique, is the "only stumbling block" as United have to agree satisfactory personal terms.

The Manchester Evening News understands there was an acceptance at United late last week they had to pursue alternative midfielders to Frenkie de Jong, despite agreeing an €85million fee with Barcelona last month.

United have not ended pursuit of De Jong but club sources said fall-back targets were being kept "warm" as a deal for De Jong is in the balance.

TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Are you happy with United pursuing Arnautovic? Have your say here.

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It was supposed to be a day of change and new beginnings, but instead, Manchester United's opening day defeat to Brighton felt like Groundhog Day as many of the same familiar feelings of last season quickly came rushing back to Old Trafford.

United were feeble on the pitch and lacking in ideas against a side well-drilled and disciplined, who, despite losing key players in the summer window, acted as a sum-of-their-parts against Ten Hag's team of idle individuals.

After only one match, it would still be harsh to write off United as pretenders this season. There remains a hope that defeat to Brighton could be the wake-up call required to get themselves in gear for the tougher tests that lie ahead.

Read on here.

Manchester United have agreed a fee in principle with Italian