MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports.
Earlier this week, it was claimed the Red Devils were "closing in" on a transfer for the man who starred for Morocco at the World Cup last year.
But Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for the ex-Club Brugge man, 26.
And Sport now understand his preference is to join Diego Simeone by penning a deal with LaLiga giants Atletico.
Reports have suggested £26million could be enough for Fiorentina to agree a transfer.
But others state it could take as much as £34m.
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Barcelona has also been mooted as a potential destination for Amrabat – who has 107 appearances for the Italian side.
Either way, Atletico are now emerging as the frontrunners in a knock to Erik ten Hag's hopes of bolstering his squad during the final three weeks of the transfer window.
Man Utd have made a trio of big-money signings so far this summer.
They are midfielder Mason Mount, keeper Andre Onana and striker Rasmus Hojlund.