Manchester United could allow problems to resurface by paying Adrien Rabiot over the odds as they aim to secure the Juventus midfielder's arrival at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Erik ten Hag's Red Devils reign got off to an underwhelming start thanks to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day of the season, but he has until September 1 to freshen up his squad.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Rabiot?
According to The Guardian, Manchester United have agreed an initial £15million fee with Juventus for the transfer of Rabiot.
The report suggests discussions over personal terms are at an early stage, but Juventus are happy to sell the 29-cap France international and approval will be required from the midfielder's agent and mother, Veronique, before a deal can proceed.
It is understood that ten Hag has turned his attentions towards Rabiot after it has become clear that Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is not interested in joining Manchester United.
Juventus are open to offloading the 27-year-old after he has entered the final 12 months of his £175,000-per-week contract at the Allianz Stadium.
Rabiot has made 129 appearances since joining the Italian giants on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain three years ago.
What has Dean Jones said about Rabiot?
Jones believes Manchester United could fall into a trap by offering a lucrative contract to Rabiot ahead of the September 1 deadline.
The transfer insider has concerns that the Frenchman could create difficulties for ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "He's been earning big money and is one of Juve's top earners - if not the top earner - now that Matthijs de Ligt has actually gone, so are you signing a player that is going to cause the same problems that you've had umpteen times before?
"Are you going to be signing a player that does have the qualities, generally, to thrive from a deep midfield position? I understand why they would be interested in that, but is he going to underperform?
"Is he going to be overpaid? Maybe. There is a real possibility that he would."
Who have Man Utd signed since the transfer window opened?
Although Manchester United have spent more than £65million on fresh faces, it has been a frustrating opening transfer window for ten Hag.
The first signing of the Dutchman's reign proved to be Tyrell Malacia after a £14.7million deal was struck with Feyenoord.
The left-back was followed to Old Trafford by Christian Eriksen, who joined as a free agent after the expiry of his Brentford contract.
Ten Hag's latest addition was Lisandro Martinez as he raided former club Ajax and rubber-stamped a £56.7million switch.