Manchester United have agreed a fee in principle with Italian heavyweights Juventus to sign midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United, who were beaten 2-1 by Brighton on Sunday, have reached an agreement with Juventus to bring the France international to the club, but now face the challenge of negotiating personal terms. The Reds have now got to try and thrash out terms with Rabiot's agent, who also happens to be his mother, in a bid to complete the deal.
Sources have said that negotiations with his mother - Veronique - are the "only stumbling block" in an attempt to wrap up the deal as the club need to present him with satisfactory personal terms. The 28-year-old is reportedly one of Juventus' highest earners in the squad.
READ MORE: United fans react to Adrien Rabiot agreement in predictable fashion
United are desperate to strengthen their midfield ahead of the transfer window closing at the start of next month and have long since been trying to wrap up a deal for Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong. But given that saga is dragging on and on, United have accepted that they need to mull over alternative targets.
Considered as a defensive-midfielder, Rabiot will be a certain upgrade on United's current midfield options, which came in for scathing criticism after the defeat to Brighton. But how could United line up if they complete the signing of the Frenchman? Here, MEN Sport has taken a look at three possible options.
4-3-3
United, by and large, tend to operate in a 4-3-3 system, although it can become a 4-2-3-1 at times (more on that shortly), meaning Rabiot would slot straight into a midfield trio and be United's deepest player, shouldering the defensive responsibilities.
Rabiot, although he is not an out-and-out defensive midfielder that flies into challenges and leaves his calling card, is a player capable of playing in front of the back-four and providing a protective screen. If United want to go with a really defensive approach, they can deploy either Fred or Scott McTominay alongside him.
But if they want to be that little bit more expansive, certainly in games they are expected to control and win, Christian Eriksen could play alongside him, acting as the man in the middle between the No.6 and No.10 positions. Bruno Fernandes would continue in the latter role.
4-2-3-1
Rabiot could also play in a 4-2-3-1 system, occupying one of the two defensive-midfield roles. Based on the current condition of the squad, you would back Fred to join him in the second No.6 berth.
That would mean that Eriksen would be left to battle it out with Fernandes for the advanced-midfield position, playing in the middle of the attacking-midfield three behind a lone frontman. Rabiot would be capable of getting on the ball from that position and dictate games from deep, even though Fred's energy and athleticism might mean that he is tasked with pushing further forward when United are in possession, opposed to the French international.
4-1-4-1
Deploying a 4-1-4-1 system is something that United might be prepared to trial in the future, once they have fully adapted to Ten Hag's methods, even if it is too soon to try it now. It has a great emphasis on attacking, but considering United have the forward players to try it out, it might be worth testing the water.
It would see Rabiot deployed in a one-man defensive midfield berth, meaning it would pile a huge degree of pressure on his shoulders to protect the defence behind him. But if United secure the control in matches they are working towards securing, they might be able to risk it against certain opponents.
Fielding Rabiot in the defensive-midfield berth would see Eriksen and Fernandes lock out the two other central-midfield positions, but playing much higher up the pitch. It seems a very risky idea at the moment, but it could be something worth experimenting with in time.
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