Manchester United close in on Sofyan Amrabat loan on busy transfer day

Manchester United were closing in on a £10m season-long loan for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat as Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline neared, with Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilón, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans signed earlier in the day.

Erik ten Hag has pursued Amrabat as an upgrade on Fred following the latter’s £15m sale to Fenerbahce. If the Moroccan’s signing is confirmed it may represent a coup following impressive performances in his country’s fourth-place finish at the Qatar World Cup.

The Dutch-born 27-year-old has previously played for Utrecht, Feyenoord, Club Brugge, and Hellas Verona. He was a Belgian champion with Brugge and has 49 caps.

United moved to acquire Reguilón due to the long-term muscle problem suffered by Luke Shaw, Ten Hag’s first-choice left-back. The manager favoured Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella but the parent club would not countenance a January break clause in the loan terms. Reguilón’s contract includes this.

Reguilón, a former Atlético Madrid defender, said: “Having spoken to the manager, I know what he needs from me, and I am ready to play my part in helping the team to achieve success. In life you have to be ready for everything and the chance to represent this great club with such an illustrious history is one that I could not turn down.

“I know that I can contribute to Manchester United this season; I am ready to fight for this group and show everyone my quality.”

Bayindir, a 25-year-old Turkey goalkeeper, agreed a four-year contract with a further year option following Dean Henderson’s sale to Crystal Palace.

He said: “It is a huge honour to join Manchester United and become the first Turkish player to represent this incredible club.”

On a busy day for United Evans was re-signed on a one-year contract. The 35-year-old previously enjoyed a nine-year spell at the club that ended in 2015 in which he won three championships. Evans, Reguilón and Bayindir are all eligible for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.

Mason Greenwood’s future remained in the balance as the 11pm deadline neared. Lazio were reportedly exploring if United would allow a free transfer despite the 21-year-old being contracted until 2026.

This follows the decision by mutual agreement that Greenwood will not play for United following the club’s internal inquiry into his conduct. In February Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault dropped. Greenwood has continued to deny the charges.

United were also hoping to conclude deals for Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly.