Transfer news: Monaco chief admits Man Utd and Man City target Fabinho can leave

MONACO chief Vadim Vasilyev admits they could consider selling Fabinho next summer.

Manchester United target Fabinho displays impressive skills

Fabinho enjoyed an impressive 2016/17 season as Monaco won the French league title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, leading to transfer rumours linking him with Manchester United and Manchester City.

United boss Jose Mourinho wanted to strengthen his midfield with a defensive minded player and Fabinho was identified as a target.

While City were keen on Fabinho to provide cover in defence and midfield.

But after selling Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko, Monaco were reluctant to let any more of their key players leave.

FabinhoGETTY

Fabinho was a target for Man Utd and Man City

But we realise in Monaco we have a certain model, that at a certain moment when we feel it's right we have to let players go

Vadim Vasilyev

And apart from Kylian Mbappe’s move to Paris Saint-Germain late on in the window, Monaco held onto to their other big players like Fabinho and Thomas Lemar.

But Fabinho is likely to attract more interest next summer.

And Vasilyev says Monaco would consider letting the Brazil midfielder leave when the timing is right.

FabinhoGETTY

Fabinho was forced to stay at Monaco in the summer

"He's one of the key players in our squad, a very regular player," Vasilyev told Sky Sports.

"He's very important, we can always count on. We are very happy that we managed to keep him. I think this is one player you want to keep forever.

"But we realise in Monaco we have a certain model, that at a certain moment when we feel it's right we have to let players go in order to be successful again. 

“This is not only about money; this is more about being successful."

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