Liverpool dealt blow as target rejects chance to join club, prefers possible move to rivals Manchester United instead: Reports

Liverpool have reportedly received a blow in the race to sign former Juventus man Adrien Rabiot, who is interested in securing a permanent move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

Rabiot, 29, is currently a free agent after the end of his deal at Juventus earlier this June. He helped the Bianconeri lift a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia crowns, and one Supercoppa Italiana trophy in five years.

Now, according to Italian sports outlet Tutto Juve, Rabiot has lately drawn attention from both Liverpool and Manchester United. He is said to be hoping to head to the Premier League ahead of the next season.

However, the former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder has reportedly rejected an offer from the Reds in the recent past. The Frenchman is believed to be keen to move to Manchester United, who have been closely monitoring the star for several years, this summer.

Rabiot, who recorded 22 goals and 15 assists in 212 matches for Juventus, would emerge as a regular starter should he join Erik ten Hag's side. With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen expected to leave, he would partner Kobbie Mainoo in a midfield double pivot.

Manchester United great urges Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid

Speaking to online bookmaker BoyleSports, ex-Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke shared his thoughts on Real Madrid's interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold. He said (h/t Mirror):

"He is a Liverpool boy of course, but let's not forget that his best mate Jude Bellingham is playing in Spain now, which could be a significant factor. I'm sure he would be great there because of the type of football, which is Real Madrid dominating games most of the time... which will get him [more] on the ball."

"We know his quality with the football but he gets a lot of stick in England from ex-players about his defensive ability, while not getting enough credit for his ability."

Yorke, who helped Manchester United win the treble in 1999, added:

"I won't be surprised if Real Madrid make an official bid for him. He's only played for his boyhood club and won the Premier League, the Champions League and everything else, but the stick he gets and having a friend in Madrid could tempt him to the biggest club in world football right now. For me, it’s a no-brainer."

"If I were to advise him, those are the things I would look at because here he just gets knocked down. He should seriously consider leaving and going to Real Madrid."

Alexander-Arnold, whose deal is set to run out next June, has scored 19 goals and provided 81 assists in 310 overall outings for Liverpool.

So far, the 25-year-old defender has won eight trophies at Liverpool.