Adrien Rabiot would not be an improvement on what Manchester United already have.
That’s the view of Graeme Souness who was reacting to news that United have agreed a deal to sign the Juventus midfielder.
There is still work to be done on the move, though, with reports claiming terms need to be negotiated with his mother, and agent, Veronique.
The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Juventus after joining the Italian side on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
Liverpool hero Souness was baffled why United are going after players like Rabiot.
“He was at PSG and ran down his contract and went to Juve. He’s not done it there,” he told White and Jordan on talkSPORT.
“I’m not sure that’s much of an upgrade on what they’ve got there already.
“What it stinks of is if you are signing him at this time, he’s not your first choice. Maybe your second.
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“It is 24 days to go until the window closes, one game gone, I think you are reacting to things now. That’s when you make mistakes.”
Souness knows a thing or two about playing in Italy having spent two years Sampdoria in the 1980s.
Although he acknowledged the game is very different from his era, he believes that if Rabiot has struggled in Serie A then he would likely struggle in the Premier League.
He added: “Let’s see if he can deal with the intensity of our game. He’s gone to Juve and not shone there.
“Italian football for a midfield player is a bit easier than for a player playing in the English game.
“I found it a doddle out there, I’m not saying it’s like that now. A midfielder in those days dropped off to the 18 yard line and would just see what they’ve got.
“You weren’t harassed and you could get your head up and make passes.
“I know it has changed, they do press a bit higher up the pitch but not all do.
“If he’s found life harder at Juventus with the players they have then coming to English football? I have reservations.”
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