Lille agree deal to sell Ayyoub Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, with plenty of other sides also interested in the midfielder.

The Moroccan international, who featured for his country in World Cup action earlier this summer, has made 96 appearances for Ligue 1 side Lille during his time at the club, a spell that now looks to be coming to an end.

Reports last month claimed that Bouaddi was a part of Manchester United’s three-man midfield shortlist for the rest of the summer window but Manchester City have been the main contenders in any deal.

The Citizens, aiming for success under Enzo Marseca, have been pushing for the midfielder in the last few weeks.

Journalist Fabrice Hawkins have now confirmed that City’s efforts have proved successful with the club reaching an agreement with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Reporting for RMC Sport, the journalist has confirmed that the deal is worth €100m including add-ons and is a record transfer for Lille.

Hawkins also stated that Bouaddi will not play for Lille today against Angers as he prepares for his move to Manchester City.

With this transfer saga coming to an end, it appears that City finally have their man. Manchester United’s fierce rivals have already signed midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer from Nottingham Forest, with Bouaddi strengthening the side’s depth in the middle of the park.

For Manchester United, after showing interest initially in the Moroccan international, it appears that the club have prioritised alternative targets.

Carlos Baleba is one of those, with the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder set to sign for United in the coming deals after the completion of his medical and media duties.

Manchester City and Manchester United meet in this season’s first Manchester derby next month at Old Trafford.