The midfielder has become a wanted man this summer as clubs including Paris St-Germain and United have been linked with a move for him.

But the Independent claim Atletico have swooped to sign him after negotiations with other clubs, including the Red Devils, have taken so long.

Apparently Monaco want £40m for one of their key players from last season.

And Diego Simeone’s side are willing to meet that figure as they scramble to sign reinforcements for next January.

The 20 most-wanted central midfielders in this summer’s transfer market
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Atletico have been slapped with a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any new players in the current transfer window.

So any player they bring to Spain will have to spend the first half of next season in the stands, unless a loan move can be arranged.

Jose Mourinho’s side have also been linked with moves for Chelsea ace Nemanja Matic and Tottenham’s Eric Dier as options in the centre of the park.

But neither club seem keen to do business with the United which could leave them struggling to sign someone before the end of summer.