FABINHO has admitted he is likely to stay at Monaco despite advances from Manchester United and Chelsea – because neither can offer Champions League football this season.
After the Brazil international right back scored a penalty in the 3-1 aggregate play-off victory against Villarreal to reach the group stages, he committed his future to the Ligue 1 side.
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The 22-year-old’s excellent form last season prompted United boss Jose Mourinho to track him all summer – but was told he needed to stump up £25million for a late swoop ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
But Fabinho appeared to quash speculation despite not completely ruling out a move. He told French media: “With the Champions League, it’s not bad staying at Monaco.
“I’m not certain of staying, but at the same time, there’s more of a chance of me staying than leaving.”
Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for his signature with United – but neither team qualified for Europe after poor seasons, while Monaco will face Tottenham, CSKA Moscow and Bayer Leverkusen in Group E.
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Sky Sports claim a senior figure at Monaco says the club's "goal is to keep the team as it is without any major departures" before the start of the Champions League group stage.
But after spending two seasons on loan at the Stade Louis II, he joined Monaco on a permanent four-year contract last summer.
Fabinho has also been impressed with Monaco's summer transfer dealings, which has seen the return of Radamel Falcao and Valere Germain from loan deals and the signings of Kamil Glik, Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Mendy.
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He added: "We're stronger than last year. We've strengthened in defence with Glik and we're very good at full-back. The returns of Falcao and Germain are important. We just need leaders.
"Bernardo Silva is a key player, like Thomas Lemar. I've got a good understanding with Tiemoue Bakayoko. Confidence is higher."
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