Manchester United transfer news RECAP Adrien Rabiot updates plus Frenkie de Jong to Man United latest

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.

A recap of the day's news.

The impression you get of Adrien Rabiot's mother and agent Veronique is she is a cross between Judy Murray and the mother played by Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate.

Once it became apparent her son had decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain, the club's chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi was said to be relieved he would not have to deal with Veronique again.

There are nuances to Veronique's parental protection. Rabiot's father, Michel, suffered a stroke in 2007 and he developed locked-in syndrome.

Read on here.

JUST IN: United have been offered the chance to sign Alvaro Morata — Erik ten Hag is keen to add a physical back-up striker to his squad. @RobDawsonESPN #MUFC

Manchester United have withdrawn their interest in signing Marko Arnautovic from Bologna this summer.

It emerged on Sunday that United were open to