Manchester United have made ‘remarkable advances’ in their pursuit of €50m Brazilian midfielder

Jose Mourinho's attempts to lure Monaco's 23-year-old midfielder, Fabinho, to Manchester United have been given a boost in the last few days.

Monaco’s versatile midfielder has been a long-term target for United, with their interest first coming to light last summer. The Brazilian signed a new contract with the French club earlier in the season, but a summer switch now looks set to be on the cards. Spanish newspaper Marca has claimed that Manchester United have made "remarkable advances in recent days" in their pursuit of the midfielder. Fabinho, who spent the majority of  Monaco's Ligue 1 winning season in defensive midfield also has experience at right-back, could cost United as much as €50m. Manchester United have been on the hunt for a defensive midfielder throughout this transfer window, with Nemanja Matic and Eric Dier touted as potential targets. However, Jose Mourinho handed the Brazilian his first-team debut at Real Madrid in the 2012/2013 season, and he knows the strengths of the the Monaco player. https://twitter.com/FullTimeDEVILS/status/872377622407270400 The Portuguese has plenty of money to spend and will aim to have them competing strongly for the Premier League title and Champions League next season. Fabinho was a central figure in the French side's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where Leandro Jardim's side were beaten by Juventus. Atletico Madrid were leading the charge for the Brazilians signature, but that avenue has been blocked with Diego Simeone's side now under a transfer ban.