Manchester United are reportedly preparing a January move for AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana following his impressive start to life on loan at Sevilla.
The Red Devils are said to have been monitoring the 27-year-old France international during the opening weeks of the season and could now approach Milan about a permanent transfer.
Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla claims Fofana’s performances have convinced United’s recruitment team that he could strengthen Michael Carrick’s midfield.
However, no formal offer has been confirmed and any January agreement would be complicated by Fofana’s season-long loan contract with Sevilla.
Man Utd impressed by Fofana
Fofana joined Sevilla on deadline day after a proposed move to Lyon collapsed, allowing the Spanish club to complete an unexpected loan agreement with Milan.
He has since made an immediate impression in LaLiga, scoring once in his first four league appearances and earning praise from Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza.
The midfielder’s energetic displays have reportedly attracted scouts from United and several other European clubs.
Fofana is capable of operating as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, combining physical strength and ball-winning ability with the energy to carry possession through the middle of the pitch.
United already signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window.
However, Santos has struggled for regular Premier League minutes, Tielemans has yet to reproduce his best Aston Villa form and Baleba has only recently returned from injury.
Those early difficulties have reportedly persuaded United to continue looking for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January window.
AC Milan open to permanent sale
Fofana remains contracted to AC Milan until 2028, but the Italian club’s decision to send him to Sevilla suggests he is not central to Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Reports in Spain claim Milan value the former Monaco midfielder at approximately €20million (£17m), although United could have to offer more to secure his release halfway through the season.
Milan paid around €26m to sign Fofana from Monaco in 2024 and would want to recover a significant part of that investment.
A permanent sale could suit the Rossoneri, but they would first need to reach an agreement with Sevilla over the early termination of his loan.
Sevilla loan complicates January transfer
Fofana’s loan runs until June 30, 2027 and does not include an option for Sevilla to buy him permanently.
The Spanish club nevertheless has contractual rights covering the entire season and would not be obliged to release one of its most important players in January.
Reports suggest Milan could be required to pay Sevilla significant compensation if they unilaterally ended the agreement to sell Fofana to United.
Sevilla would also need to find a replacement midway through the campaign, giving them further reason to resist an early departure.
That makes a summer transfer more straightforward, when Fofana will return to Milan with only one year remaining on his contract.
United could still test the situation in January, but completing the move would require agreements with Milan, Sevilla and the player.
For now, the reported interest remains at the scouting stage, with no confirmed bid or direct negotiations between the clubs.
