Man Utd and Man City dealt blow as £59m star makes surprising claim on future
Maghnes Akliouche could remain at Monaco despite interest from both Manchester City and Manchester United this summer. The 23-year-old has revealed he hopes to stay with the Monegasques for next season in a blow to the Premier League clubs.
Akliouche has drawn interest after bagging five goals and providing 10 assists in Ligue 1 this season, in addition to two goals and two assists in the Champions League. The winger has helped Monaco's bid to qualify for Europe's top competition once again, cementing at leat a third-placed finish domestically.
The Frenchman was the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, as well as City, almost 12 months ago but chose to sign a contract extension instead, committing to the club until 2028. The duo are said to retain their interest with United now also impressed by the player.
But Akliouche appears content in Monaco and plans to stay at the club beyond the summer. The attacker is thought to be available for €70million (£57m) however.
'I am under contract at Monaco and I hope that I will be here next season, why not?,' he said.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro was adamant potential suitors would not have an easy time prising away the star. Speaking to Téléfoot earlier this year, he appeared set to drive a hard bargain.
"It is logical that clubs are interested in him. He is a Monaco player and it won't be easy to take him out of here," he said.
Manager Adi Hütter has conceded the possibility of losing Akliouche however. The Austrian head coach conceded it is the philosophy of the club to capitalise upon their talent and he is excited for where his charge's career could lead.
'I am encouraged to see where he (Akliouche) can go. For me, we don't know what happens. If we lose him in the summer, we lose him in the summer,' he said last month.
" This is also the club's strategy to bring in young talents from its own academy to the first team an then at one point to sell them – this is the club's plan and it is a good one! This is the process as a coach. I want to follow (Akliouche). This is the history of the club and I like it!'
City and United will both look to strengthen their squads in the summer following disappointing seasons. Pep Guardiola's side look set to qualify for the Champions League but have been noticeably absent from the title race.
Ruben Amorim meanwhile will oversee his first summer in charge. A disastrous Premier League campaign has seen United's only chance of qualifying for Europe come by finding Europa League success if they defeat Tottenham.
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