Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are to battle for Youssouf Fofana next summer, and AC Milan are unlikely to put up an obstacle to the Premier League sides. 

Last season, the midfielder had a mixed season under Massimiliano Allegri. His successor, Ruben Amorim, left him out of his core plans this season. Therefore, the Serie A side sent him on loan to Sevilla on the summer deadline day.

Fofana enjoyed a good start at the Spanish club, attracting interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.

Tottenham and Manchester United keen 

The Frenchman has a goal and three assists in 708 minutes across nine matches for Sevilla. Last month, there were multiple reports from Spain that the Red Devils want him for the winter market.

Manchester United were reportedly preparing an offer while the player ruled out an exit in January. Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that Tottenham Hotspur are chasing him for next summer.

The Andalusian club haven’t secured an option or obligation to make his stay permanent. However, their sporting director, José Ignacio Navarro, has ruled out cutting short the 27-year-old’s loan stay in January.

“Youssouf hasn’t played well in the last few games. He hasn’t played well, nor has any other player on the team. His contract with us, however, runs until June 30th, and as of today, there are no plans to terminate his loan. We are confident that he will finish the season with Sevilla,” he said.

Threat from Tottenham and Manchester United

After relaying the director’s comments, Calciomercato shares their own updates about this case. Sevilla are not ruling out trying to hold on to Youssouf Fofana beyond this season.

However, it won’t be easy because of the ‘fierce competition’ from Spurs, the Red Devils and Juventus. These three clubs are ‘ready to attack’ for his signature next summer.

In fact, the three clubs have taken first steps by making initial approaches to find out the conditions needed to sign Fofana.

The Frenchman earns €5.5m per year, and his contract at the San Siro is until 2028. The Rossoneri want to part ways with him next summer and have set a €15m price. Besides the finances, Sevilla will have to deal with the big threat from his three other suitors.

His salary and the fee would be affordable for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. However, it’s not clear that one or both will make further advances.

Michael Carrick stepped down from his role on Thursday. His successor, barring any surprises, will be Mauricio Pochettino, and the Argentine will have a say on whether the Old Trafford club want to sign Fofana.