Monaco full-back Fabinho happy in principality amid Manchester United transfer rumours

Monaco full-back Fabinho has insisted he is happy in the principality, despite reported interest from Manchester United. The Brazil international was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window – but has claimed he is content playing in Ligue 1.

Fabinho, who turns 23 next week, extended his contract with Monaco until 2021 last month and has revealed he does not see himself leaving the French club in the near future. Indeed, the highly-rated defender confirmed he could easily have left Monaco if he wanted to during the summer, although he remained tight-lipped about his prospective destination.

Asked if he would move to a "big club" next summer, Fabinho told L'Equipe: "I could have already done it, but I'm under contract here. I feel good here. I'm an important player in one of the best teams in the league."

The reported United transfer target joined Monaco on loan from Real Madrid in 2013, after failing to impress at the Spanish club. Then, after spending two seasons on loan at Stade Louis II, he joined his current employers on a permanent deal in 2015.

Since then, he has emerged as one of the most sought-after young fullbacks in European football and has become a full Brazil international. During the summer transfer window, Fabinho was said to be a defensive target for United boss Jose Mourinho, who was in the midst of revamping his squad.